Cooperative Education, Certificate
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Certificate Program / certificate
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- College of Engineering and Polymer Science
- School/Department
- Interdisciplinary
Program Contact
- Co-op and Placement Program
-
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
330-972-7818
Overview
The College of Engineering and Polymer Science’s co-op program — one of the oldest in the nation — lets students in qualifying majors gain real-world, paid experience while earning their degree. Students in this certificate program alternate semesters of classroom study with semesters of paid work in their field.
The certificate must be earned alongside a Bachelor of Science degree from the College. Students become eligible for co-op work terms after completing the first half of their junior-year core courses.
Admissions Requirements
GPA must be at least 2.3 or higher depending on your major
On-schedule in your major
Career Outcomes
Gain paid industry experience through multiple co-op rotations in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, helping you explore different job types and build real-world skills like communication, leadership and presentation.
Complete around five years with co-op to earn 12+ months of professional work experience, often including seniority, retirement benefits, vacation and other perks ahead of non-co-op students.
Earn a Certificate in Cooperative Education after completing three co-op rotations, adding credibility and recognition to your degree and boosting your career prospects.
YES, some things just set us apart.
$49,000
Average total income students make for three co-op rotations while still in school
$23
Average hourly wage of student on co-op
$10,000+
Students* who complete three or more co-op rotations earn about $10,000+ more in their starting salaries than those without co-ops. *Survey results from 2023 graduates
Paid Experience | Industry Connections | Year-Round Support
What is Co-op?
The Co-op and Placement Program provides paid industry experience to undergraduate students in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. We are home to one of the oldest traditional co-op programs in the country where students gain valuable, practical work experience in between periods of academic coursework. Note: The co-op program is optional to all undergraduate students at the College with the exception of students in the Aerospace Systems Engineering program.
Why Co-op?
Gain industrial experience
Help pay for college by making great money while you are still in school
Opportunity to narrow down the type of job you are most interested in
Improve communication, leadership, and presentation skills
Possibility for full-time employment when you graduate
Graduate with over a year of experience if you participate in three co-op rotations
“The coolest part of my co-op experience was getting to visit construction sites and learn more about the geology of Ohio. The real work experience I received helped me see what my future could be like in the geotechnical engineering field. I was able to learn how to best work and communicate with a multitude of people, from construction crews to geologists and professional engineers.”
“I did all my co-op rotations with Keller North America. I already have a job offer from Keller and I still have my senior year left. Co-op has taken away the stress of finding a job during my senior year so I can focus on my schoolwork.”
