In the Montclair State University Program, employers commit to creating one or more co-op positions and then develop a job description and criteria for each, much as they would before placing a want ad, advising the human resources department, or calling a recruiter to fill a post. Both full and part-time positions may be made available to students. Co-op counselors pre-screen students to meet the employers screening criteria. The employer reviews candidate resumes, conducts interviews and makes final hiring decisions.

Once they're hired, students work as the organization's employees. Students receive a salary and work experience from their employer and academic credit from the University. When the agreed time period ends, they return to school and another student fills the same position.

Students are eligible after completing 30 credits, however, some academic departments may have additional requirements. Our staff members prepare students to enter the workplace through counseling and workshops. Students are screened, and interviews are arranged with participating employers.

Montclair State University assigns each student to a Co-op faculty advisor who is responsible for the academic aspect of the Cooperative Education course as well as for making visits to the worksite. While there, they meet with the student and talk to the work supervisor to learn how the student is performing on the job.

This Co-op faculty advisor is responsible for grading the student at the close of the work experience based on site observations, the quality of academic projects completed and the work supervisor's written and verbal comments.