Cooperative Education

Cooperative education programs (co-ops) are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience. A co-op is an experiential learning opportunity appropriate for students who want to explore their career interests. Full time students who have earned 28 or more credit hours and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 are eligible to enroll. Students may choose to work part or full time during the academic year or summer.

The Office of Leadership & Life Calling coordinates all co-ops. The Coordinator for Career Services can help advise students on effective co-ops and help them find suitable placements. The Office of Leadership & Life Calling also coordinates the Illinois Board of Higher Education Cooperative Education Program Grant which helps to fund co-ops for Illinois resident students working in Illinois. The Coordinator can be reached at 618-664-6613.

Students must register for at least two credits per co-op experience, and may earn a maximum of 12 co-op credits during their college career. Students must enroll in either the internship/practicum course for their respective academic program (such as BUSN 395/BUSN 405, COMM 395/COMM 405, PSYC 395/PSYC 405, etc.) or GRNL 298 Cooperative Education, administered by the Office of Leadership & Life Calling. Internship or practica credit must be approved by the appropriate department. Departmental requirements vary; see the Practicum/Internship statement under “Undergraduate Course Listings”.