Co-op Program

Types of Co-op Assignment

• Alternating - Full-time work assignments alternating with full-time academic terms.
• Parallel - Part-time work assignment parallel with part or full-time academic terms. 

Students Can Earn Elective Credit for Their Jobs

Students can earn up to nine elective credits for work they are already performing. Many students are in school to obtain degrees in the career field in which they are working. These students can turn their current or past employment into academic credit for less than the cost of one UDM credit hour. Refer students to the CEC for more information. 

CEC 3000/5000

Co-op Prerequisite, One Credit
This course prepares students for the co-op experience. Topics covered include the Career Development Model and the Cooperative Education Model including job search & job readiness, learning objectives, resume writing, and practice interviews.

In order to offer students the opportunity to receive information specific to their particular major, all course sections are divided by major. See the current schedule of classes; Co-op & Career Development Preparation. 

Faculty Approval Required for Co-op

Students are required to receive written approval from their academic advisor prior to a co-op assignment. Advisors are asked to review the student's academic record and determine if co-op is an appropriate "fit" considering the students career goals, GPA, academic preparation, course load, etc. Only an advisor or department chair in the school or college of the student's major can grant approval.

Students must meet the following minimum requirements prior to their first co-op assignment:

• At least 63 cumulative credit hours
• Grade Point Average of
  • 2.0 Engineering, Architecture, Health Professions
  • 2.5 Liberal Arts, Education, Human Services, Business, Nursing

Students not presently meeting the minimum criteria should be informed what steps are required to gain authorization in the future.

Students receive the FACULTY AUTHORIZATION FORM, which they will bring to the advising session, during CEC 300/500 (Co-op Education Preparation Course). They are required to complete it prior to mid-term.

CEC 3010 Career Development Strategies

One Credit
In one weekend or three evenings students can learn valuable Career Development Strategies to prepare them for the inevitable job search process. Topics include Resumes That Work, Networking Your Way to a Successful Future, and Interviewing Techniques.

This intensive course is worth one (1) academic credit. See the current schedule of classes for course availability.

Career Development Workshops & Seminars

From interviewing and job search strategies to resume writing, and networking, the CEC staff is available to facilitate career workshops and seminars. Presentations can be tailored to specific audiences from elementary school students to mid-life career changers. Call the CEC office (993-1017) to arrange a presentation for your class, club or organization. Off campus presentations are done as part of the University's community service mission.