What is Co-operative Education?

Co-operative Education is a program that enables college students to receive career training with pay as they work with professionals in their major fields of study. Work experience in government, business, industry, and human services enhances the students’ academic training. This valuable experience is documented on their official college transcripts.

Most employers use the co-op concept as a recruiting tool. They tend to fill their vacancies with graduates from their own co-op programs, whenever possible, since they already know the capabilities and work habits of those they have trained. Most co-op positions are offered on a full-time, alternating basis with two students filling each job. While one student works, the other attends school. They trade places each Spring, Summer, and Fall term. There are a few positions that are on a part-time schedule throughout the year; these are known as parallel co-op jobs.

Since co-op appears on the transcript, students in the program must register for a non-credit co-op course the semesters that they work. There is a registration fee each work term, and a grade is assigned based upon a work report that must be submitted. Some employers reimburse the student for the registration fee. To register and pay for the co-op course, students should follow the procedures listed in the appropriate class schedule. All students registering for co-op must contact the Co-op Office to confirm their work plans.

What are the Advantages of being a Co-op Student?

• Provides many months of meaningful experience, making the student more valuable to an employer upon graduation. Many companies cut recruiting and training costs by hiring former co-ops.
• Enables a student to earn money to help finance his/her college education.
• Makes academic work more meaningful through practical application of classroom principles. Many employers have lab facilities and equipment that are not available on most campuses, at least not to the degree provided by the companies.
• Creates the proper environment to explore a career choice before graduation.
• Offers the opportunity to associate with professionals who have many years of experience in the student’s major.

PodCasts

Download the Cooperative Education Orientation Podcast by Co-Op Director Gerald Davenport!

To access our podcast series, just follow these simple steps:

1) Visit the University's iTunes website at http://itunes.uh.edu/ .

2) Click the "Launch iTunes U" button.

3) A separate iTunes window will open. Scroll down to the Academics section and select the "Cullen College of Engineering" icon.

4) Next, select the "Engineering Career Center" icon.

You are now ready to download and listen!

Co-Op Student Deadline and Documents

The Co-Op Fee posting and Work Report due dates are as follows.

Summer 2009

• The Co-Op Fee must be paid on Tuesday, July 7, 2009.
• The Summer 2009 Co-Op Work Report is due Monday, August 3, 2009.

Fall 2009

• The Co-Op Fee must be paid on Tuesday, October 20, 2009.
• The Fall 2009 Co-Op Work Report is due Monday, December 7, 2009.

Spring 2010

• The Co-Op Fee must be paid on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 .
• The Spring 2010 Co-Op Work Report is due Monday, May 3, 2010.