CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

(Updated November 3, 2009)

What is Co-operative Education?

Co-operative education is a national program offered at many colleges and universities where students have the opportunity to integrate classroom studies with “real-life” work experience.  Southern Polytechnic State University offers qualified students the opportunity to participate in this program. 

How Co-op Works:

Co-op students work alternating semesters of full-time college classroom instruction with semesters of full-time paid work assignments.  These work assignments are supervised and closely related to the student’s academic program.

Advantages of Co-op: 

• Integrates academic theory and real work experience which enhances your classroom learning experience and adds relevance to education.
• Confirms or redirects your career choice.
• Increases confidence level as you successfully perform in the workplace.
• Co-ops “test drive” their career choice.
• Enables students to retain full-time student status while working
• Provides an opportunity to earn money to cover a significant portion of college expenses if necessary.
• Develops maturity, leadership, social and professional skills
• Provides a break from school which can help students stay focused with academic course work.
• Improves employment prospects at graduation by providing students with transferable, relevant work experience which often leads to higher starting salaries at graduation.

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