WHAT IS CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION ?

WHY SHOULD YOU CO-OP ?

To explore career interests and work environments 

To enhance classroom learning through practical experience 

To receive training and utilize technologies in the workplace 

To clarify career objectives and execute a realistic job search strategy 

To network and secure job opportunities upon graduation

To gain marketable experience

HOW DOES CO-OP WORK ?

Co-op at FAU is a voluntary program that requires the commitment of the student and employer. It is a partnership among the student, employer, and the co-op office. Students may opt to participate in the alternating or parallel programs.

Full-time (Alternating Co-op)
Students who alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time, paid co-op assignments. Students work full time for a semester and return to school the following semester to continue their course studies. Students may remain with the same employer during their next co-op or accept employment with a new company.

Part-time (Parallel Co-op)
Students work on a part time basis while they are enrolled in full-time classes.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Students must first attend a co-op workshop during which time you will learn about requirements to be able to participate in co-op, how to submit an application, and upload your resume on-line with Interfase. Call the Career Development Center for your campus below with any questions.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CO-OP ?

• Full-time degree seeking FAU enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• FAU cumulative GPA of at least 2.30 undergraduate or 3.0 graduate
• International students (F1 status) must have been enrolled in an American University for at least twelve months and completed one semester at FAU in current program
• International students must obtain from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and meet all USCIS and/or ISSS requirements.
• Students must apply a semester prior to their participation (i.e. apply during the spring semester for a co-op in the summer)

HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED?

After the co-op office has determined eligibility, students' upload their resumes into Interfase. Employers then contact students they are interested in to set up interviews. Students who accept co-op employment offers must complete the required enrollment in their departmental co-op course if they are international students or are seeking elective credit. In order to receive elective credit, the academic department must give written approval; otherwise, co-op credit is an additive credit. All I-20 forms must be updated prior to beginning a co-op assignment. Acceptance and placement into co-op is not guaranteed. A student can find their own co-op employer, but it must be approved by the Associate Director of the Career Development Center before accepting the offer.

HOW ARE STUDENTS GRADED?

Students are required to complete a mid-term progress report, evaluate their work experience and attend a debriefing session. The co-op assignment is recorded on your transcript and is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

INTERNSHIPS

Internships are career-related experiences that enchance students' marketability upon graduation. They may be paid or unpaid, structured or unstructured, and may be eligble for credit. Interested students should view our link to Internships above, check the job listings in Interfase, or speak with faculty coordinator in their college.

Application Guidelines for U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents

Application Guidelines for International Students