Frequently Asked Questions

Cooperative Work Experience is an academic program offering students the opportunity to earn college credit(s) while learning on the job.

Yes: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience and General Cooperative Work Experience.

Occupational Cooperative Work Experience is discipline specific and must be related to student's educational or occupational goal. On the other hand, General Cooperative Work Experience need not be related to student's educational or occupational goal. For determination, contact a Cooperative Work Experience faculty or the Cooperative Work Experience office.

Yes. However, Occupational or General Cooperative Work Experience will be determined by your goals and job duties. Contact a Cooperative Work Experience faculty or the Cooperative Work Experience office for assistance.

A maximum of 4 credits per semester and 16 combined Cooperative Work Experience credits.

Cooperative Work Experience Credits are determined by whether the Cooperative Work Experience position is paid or unpaid and the number of hours worked. Each college credit earned requires 75 hours of paid and 60 hours of unpaid hours per semester. See table below:

There may be more to learning about your job and the organization you work for than you realize. If you need assistance with identifying learning objectives, contact Cooperative Work Experience faculty or the Cooperative Work Experience office for additional help.

To enroll, you will need the approvals of your employer, Cooperative Work Experience faculty, division dean, and the Cooperative Work Experience office. For questions with the approval process, visit the Cooperative Work Experience office or Cooperative Work Experience faculty for assistance.

Yes. You may take up to 16 college credits, not to exceed 4 college credits per semester.

No. Concurrent enrollment in multiple "types" of Cooperative Work Experience is not allowed.

In most cases, yes. However, enrollment dates may vary. Inquire with the Cooperative Work Experience faculty or the Cooperative Work Experience office for assistance.

Yes. Career Center and the Job Development Center has hundreds of job listings, including internships and career specific websites to aid in your search. To access these listings, visit the Career Center for a short orientation and self-search for employment opportunities or internships. Staff is also available to answer questions and assist you.

In most cases, yes. However, because of various program and governmental eligibility requirements, you must verify with your specific program/financial aid department.

Yes. However, international students must meet additional federal requirements and program approvals. Inquire with the International Students for more details and assistance.

No. Once the course has begun, you cannot make any changes to your Cooperative Work Experience credits. If you believe you will not be able to meet your Cooperative Work Experience required hours to successfully complete this course, contact your faculty advisor immediately.

Cooperative Work Experience is a letter grade only course and a letter grade 'F' will be issued hours are not completed. It is strongly recommended that students enroll in the number of college credits that will be positively achievable. If a situation arises where you feel you will not meet Cooperative Work Experience committed hours, contact your Cooperative Work Experience faculty immediately.

Discuss the changes with your supervisor and contact your instructor immediately.

Contact and discuss the changes with your Cooperative Work Experience faculty advisor. The instructor will work with you to resolve problems, if possible. If you decide to drop the course, it is your responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal procedure.