Cooperative Education

Office of Career Development

Cooperative Education is a voluntary, independent education program available for all undergraduate and graduate students in any academic area. Work experience is gained with an employer who offers learning opportunities related to a student’s academic discipline. The program provides careful supervision with timely evaluation of performance, attitude, and ability of the student on the job. The goal is to help students grow and improve their capabilities.

The co-op program allows a student to obtain on-the-job learning experiences that can increase motivational and conceptual understanding in the classroom. It can provide a realistic evaluation of your career choice along with the opportunity to earn a supplemental income to aid with college expenses.

Eligibility

Students must meet the following requirements:

Register with the Career Development Office by establishing your on-line account.
Minimum 2.5 GPA (GPA must be maintained while participating in the program).
Full-time student status.
Must complete one (1) semester at TTU prior to completing a co-op application.
Transfer students from another college or university must complete two (2) full semesters at TTU prior to completing a co-op application.
Attend an orientation session.

CO-OP Plans

There are four (4) co-op scheduling plans available:

Plan A - Student works full-time for an employer for 12 months.
Plan B - Student works alternate semesters at the employer’s site (work, return to school, work, etc.)
Plan C - Student will attend college and work approximately 20 hours per week for the employer.
Plan D - Summer only assignment (two [2] or more summers)

Employers may specify in advance that students have completed certain courses prior to the co-op assignment. The co-op hiring process is competitve. Students must go through an interview process with the employer. Students participating in the co-op program must register and enroll in one credit hour for each semester of their assignment (including summer semester). This does not count toward graduation requirements.