What is Co-op?

Cooperative Education is a unique plan of educational enrichment designed to make students' educational programs more relevant and meaningful by integrating formal academic study with practical work experience. Through a Co-op experience, the students' classroom learning is supported by opportunities to work in jobs directly related to their academic and career goals.

How does Co-op work?

There are two methods by which a student may participate in Co-op, the alternating method or the parallel method. The alternating approach rotates the student between periods of full-time employment and full-time school. The parallel approach allows the student to work and attend school during the same period of time.

What benefits does Cooperative Education provide the student?

Participation in a Cooperative Education Program provides students with the opportunity to:

• Gain professional work experience.
• Earn a portion of their educational expenses.
• Explore and confirm career choices.
• Develop potential employment contacts for career opportunities.
• Test and apply knowledge gained in the classroom.
• Earn elective credits.

How do students qualify to participate in Co-op?

Interested students must have completed a minimum of one semester at Seminole Community College and earn a grade point average of at least 2.5. They must currently have, or must obtain through the assistance of the Co-op staff, a job related to their academic and career goals.

How many elective credits hours can be earned through Co-op?

Most majors allow students to apply a maximum of nine Cooperative Education credits toward elective credit hours. Co-op may be repeated until the nine hours have been accumulated.

Students may register for one, two, or three Cooperative Education credit hours per term. The number of hours for which a student may register is determined by the student's need and the number of hours the student is working.

What are the students' responsibilities?

• Fulfill their commitment to their employer.
• Uphold their obligation to their faculty advisor who guides the learning experience.
• Satisfy their agreement with the Co-op Office.

Did you know?

The Career Development Center provides students opportunities to gain valuable work experience while seeking their education.