Mandatory Co-op

At the University of Cincinnati, certain degree programs require cooperative education.

University of Cincinnati Degree Programs that Require Co-op
Programs with Mandatory Co-op College or School

Undergraduate programs in architecture, communication design, fashion design, fine arts, games and animation, industrial design, interior design, and urban planning

Graduate (master's degree) programs in architecture, design, community planning, and landscape architecture

 College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP)
All undergraduate programs College of Engineering and Applied Science
All undergraduate and graduate programs School of Information Technology in the College of Education, Human Services and Criminal Justice
All undergraduate programs Lindner College of Business

As a student in one of these programs, you’ll complete two to five co-op terms prior to graduation. The work is paid and full-time (at least 35 hours per week) for 15 to 18 weeks. During each co-op term, you’ll complete an online course that focuses on your academic and professional development. Your co-op employers will also evaluate your performance.

Co-op is real-world work experience in a professional setting. You may perform many of the same tasks as an entry-level professional. Co-op promotes your professional development and gives you a chance to apply what you learn in class. You graduate with substantial, major-related experience on your resume.

Although co-op employers are not required or expected to offer full-time jobs after graduation, sometimes the student’s performance and the employer’s hiring needs align, and every year a number of students receive full-time job offers from co-op employers as they approach graduation.

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