Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Credit-Bearing Internships

Montclair State University offers students the opportunity to participate in faculty- and site-supervised work experiences that provide employers with skilled workers while giving students exposure to potential careers and professional work environments.

Types of Work Experiences

Cooperative Education: A full-time, credit-bearing, paid, faculty-and-site-supervised new learning work experience which allows students to make a connection between their studies and the world of work.

Credit-Bearing Internships: A short-term paid or unpaid work experience providing the employer with skilled workers and giving students exposure to a potential career and/or work environment.

Co-op/Credit-Bearing Internships Application Deadlines

Spring 2026: January 9th
Summer 2026: April 24th
Fall 2026: August 14th

About Co-op

Co-ops are structured components of an academic program curriculum. The co-op experience typically does not allow for coursework to be taken during the same semester because of the full-time (35 hours per week) workload requirement. Students must enroll in the course (minimum one semester), and the positions must meet co-op work-learning criteria.

Biology and Molecular Biology Majors:
- 4 credits (14-15 hours per week) for a total of 200 hours
- The academic course designed is BIOL409
Computer Science, Information Technology, and Data Science Majors:
- 3 credits (10-15 hours per week) for a total of 150 hours
- The academic course designed is CSIT491
- Information Technology majors require an internship course; Computer Science majors’ course is optional; Data Science majors choose between an internship or research
All other majors:
- 3 credits (10-15 hours per week) for a total of 150 hours
- The academic course designed is COED401

What is the internship course?

This course provides students with practical experience related to their major that will enhance and complement their classroom learning.

When is it offered?

It is offered during the fall (14 weeks), spring (14 weeks), and summer semesters (14 weeks); there is no winter session.

Are there any deadlines to apply?

Yes, there are deadlines to submit your application (see top of page).

How do I qualify for the course?

Generally, students must have a 2.0 minimum GPA and have earned 30 credits before applying.

Students who transfer into Montclair State University with an associate or bachelor’s degree do not have to obtain any course credit at Montclair State University to be eligible for the course.

Students who transfer into Montclair State University without a degree must complete at least nine credits at Montclair State, have at least 30 accumulated credits (including Montclair State and transfer), and have a 2.0 minimum GPA.

How do I learn more about this course?

How do I apply?

The application form is found on Handshake (Click on NEST > Handshake > Experiences>Submit an Experience)

My major requires that I complete a departmental approval form, where can I find this form?

The Departmental Approval form is also found on Handshake (Resources > Biology/Molecular Biology Approval Form, Information Technology Approval Form, Computer Science Approval Form and CSAM General Majors Approval Form)

Am I guaranteed a spot in the course?

No, you are not guaranteed a section. It is a highly competitive process. You should be actively involved and stay on top of the process. Follow-up in a timely and professional manner is essential throughout the job search to ensure your success.

Can I find my own position and use it?

Yes, this is called a student-developed position. Your position may be approved if the work is related to your major or your career goals, and if the work experience provides new learning.

Your CSAM Career Services representative must approve these positions through Handshake.

Can I use my current job/employer?

Yes, if you can demonstrate new learning through a promotion, a different position within the company, or evidence of a project or tasks that will comprise at least 50% of the time spent at the work site.

How do I earn a grade for my experience?

You earn your grade by fulfilling ALL of these requirements:

Successfully completing your position;
Submitting academic projects that are assigned by your faculty advisor as part of the learning agreement;
Attending seminars, when required.

Is withdrawal from the course possible?

Yes, it is possible but you need to discuss this with the employer, your faculty advisor, and your advisor. Guidelines for course withdrawal established by the Registrar must be followed.

Do I pay for my internship credits?

Yes, you pay tuition and fees just as you do for any other course.

Am I obligated to work for my employer after graduation?

No, and while many internships do lead to a permanent job offer, it is best to do a thorough job hunt that includes many potential employers.

Review job postings on Handshake
Attend career fairs
Company websites
Current employer
Networking
Social media (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter)
Attend employer-led workshops (e.g., Hackensack Meridian Health, Johnson and Johnson)

Time management (i.e., when’s the optimal time for you to participate in a co-op or credit-bearing internship?)
- Give yourself time to secure an internship (i.e., application process, interview, complete paperwork)
It is a great experience-building opportunity (i.e., resume-building)
Be proactive in your internship search
Attend CSAM Career Development Workshops. Register for all career events on Handshake.

Register via Handshake to attend Information Sessions
Check out our Canvas page for more info
Send an email to csamcareers@montclair.edu