FAQ

Cooperative Education (co-op) is a program designed to integrate academic study with related job experience. Undergraduate students co-op multiple alternating work terms of full-time work and full-time study.

Co-op opportunities are multi-semester work experiences with the same employer. Co-op students typically alternate semesters of full-time work with full-time study.

Internships are usually one semester work experiences, most often in the summer, and/or part-time throughout the fall and spring terms.

Students must have completed CODA into the major before starting their first work term. Most students begin applying for co-op in the spring of their freshman year in order to begin co-op in their second or third year.

No, undergraduate co-op students work multiple terms, preferably a minimum of 3 alternating semesters of work.

Students who prefer to work summers only should explore internships.

No, undergraduate co-op students work multiple terms, preferably a minimum of 3 alternating semesters of work.

Co-op students work primarily in North Carolina; however jobs are also available throughout the United States. Willingness to relocate is one of the key factors to an increased number of job opportunities.

Yes, if you accept a job near your hometown.

Yes. Remaining with the same employer allows students to work through ascending levels of responsibility. The Co-op Program reviews special requests to change employers only in extenuating circumstances. Please discuss this with your Co-op Coordinator.

No, co-op students pay a $490.00* fee instead of tuition for each and every work term including a summer work term. *subject to change.

Yes, to some extent, depending on the type of financial assistance. Students must contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for additional information.

No, but students’ registration for COP appears on the transcript each work term, and students receive a transcript notation for completing all requirements of the Co-op Program upon graduation.

A change of employer may be required, however you may also be able to work in another department more closely related to your new major within the same company.

Not a guaranteed offer, but companies prefer hiring students who have related work experience, especially within their organization.

Yes. Students are responsible for paying for the co-op course fee and the required payments for university housing that semester. Please discuss this with your Co-op Coordinator.