UC College of Arts and Sciences expands co-op program
Political Science adds three co-op tracks, builds professional opportunity
By Rebecca Schweitzer
Political Science has become the third department within the University of Cincinnati's College of Arts & Sciences to add co-op tracks to its program.
These new optional tracks, for Political Science, International Affairs and Law & Society majors, allows students to gain paid professional experience while enrolled at UC. The co-op subplan is designed for students to be able to complete within the standard four-year undergraduate plan in most cases.
Our mission in the department is to be at the intersection of theory and practice.
Andrew Lewis, Associate Professor of Political Science
The department is partnering with the Division of Experience Based Learning and Career Education to create co-op opportunities for students. The plan is to create options so each student can work on a track suited for them. This will include both full-time and part-time opportunities with government agencies, nonprofits, law offices and other businesses.
“Our mission in the department is to be at the intersection of theory and practice,” said Andrew Lewis, associate professor of political science. “We think that adding a co-op experience track will help students be able to translate what they are learning in the classroom into the community and their professional lives.”
UC first pioneered co-op education in 1906. University-wide, the program has been ranked among the nation's top 5 by U.S. News & World Report. By offering professional experiences for students, the program helps undergraduates build skills and networks, and graduates to stand out from their peers in their search for post-graduation employment.
Associate Professor of Political Science Andrew Lewis
“One of the overarching goals of Next Lives Here is to make UC an outstanding public, urban university,” said Lewis. “Being able to provide co-op experiences for our students helps achieve that mission. It leverages our urban location and builds upon on research and educational strengths to cultivate real-world impact.”
Two current co-op programs exist within the college — one offered by the Communication Department and one through the Department of Chemistry.
The communication co-op includes developmental coursework as well as three semesters of full-time, paid work experience. This optional opportunity is also offered in partnership with Division of Experience Based Learning and Career Education. The chemistry co-op offers a dual bachelor's and master's of science in chemistry and personal care, beauty science and technology in partnership with the UC College of Pharmacy.
Featured image at top: Co-op students in the workplace. Photo/Leon/Unsplash.
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