Cooperative Education (co-op) provides practical experience for students that will enhance and complement classroom learning. Through this experience, you can gain skill-building content for your resume, clarify your career intentions, network with professionals in your industry, and more. Students enrolled in a co-op course can also receive academic credit for the co-op experience. To learn more about co-op, please review the information below or connect with us at a CSAM Co-op Information Session.
Co-op Deadlines
- Fall 2024
- August 23rd
- Spring 2025
- January 10th
- Summer 2025
- April 28th
About Co-Ops
How does a co-op differ from an internship?
Co-Op
- An academic credit-bearing course
- Will work with a faculty member
- Receive a letter grade
- Expected to complete assignments
- No weekly class meetings
- Must be parallel to a semester
Internship
- Optional completion for academic credit (e.g., COED401-free elective credit)
- No deadlines
- Term of internship usually decided between the employer and student
- No minimum number of hours per week
Co-Op Hours and Credits
- Biology and Molecular Biology Majors:
- 4 credits (15 hours per week) for a total of 225 hours.
- Academic course designed for co-op: BIOL409
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Data Science Majors:
- 3 credits (15 hours per week) for a total of 225 hours.
- Academic course designed for co-op: CSIT491
- Information Technology co-op is required; Computer Science co-op is optional; Data Science choose between co-op or research
- Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Studies Majors:
- 3 credits (15 hours per week) for a total of 225 hours.
- The above CSAM majors do not have academic courses within the major curriculum; therefore, students will not receive credit for participation in co-op towards their major. Rather, co-op credit will be applied as free elective credit on the transcript (e.g., COED401).
FAQs
- What is Cooperative Education (co-op)?
- Co-op provides students with practical experience related to their major that will enhance and complement their classroom learning. Through this experience, you can gain a resume-building opportunity; clarify your career intentions, network with professionals in your industry, and more. Co-op students receive academic credit for their work experience.
- When is co-op offered?
- Co-op is offered during the fall (15 weeks), spring (15 weeks), and summer semesters (15 weeks); there is no winter co-op session.
- Are there any deadlines to apply for co-op?
- Yes, there are deadlines to submit your co-op application (see top of page).
- How do I qualify for co-op?
- 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 co-op.
- 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 the co-op process?
- Register via Handshake to attend a CSAM Co-op Information Session
- How do I apply for co-op?
- The Co-op application form is found on Handshake (Click on NEST > Career Services > Handshake > My Account > Co-op & Internships)
- 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 co-op?
- No, you are not guaranteed a co-op. 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 for co-op?
- 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 for co-op?
- Yes, if you can demonstrate new learning through a promotion, different position within the company, or evidence of a project or tasks that will compromise at least 50% of the time spent at the work site.
- How do I earn a grade for my co-op experience?
- You earn your grade by fulfilling ALL of these requirements:
- Successfully completing your co-op position;
- Submitting academic projects that are assigned by your co-op faculty advisor as part of the learning agreement;
- Attending co-op seminars, when required.
- Is withdrawal from a co-op course possible?
- Yes, it is possible but you need to discuss this with the employer, your co-op faculty advisor and your advisor. Guidelines for course withdrawal established by the Registrar must be followed.
- Do I pay for my co-op credits?
- Yes, you pay tuition and fees just as you do for any other course.
- Am I obligated to work for my co-op employer after graduation?
- No, and while many co-ops do lead to a permanent job offer, it is best to do a thorough job hunt that includes many potential employers.
How do I find a co-op?
- 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., Comodo, Emergency Medical Associates, ADP)
- Specialty internships such as:
Things to keep in mind
- Time management (i.e., when’s the optimal time for you to participate in a co-op?)
- Give yourself time to secure an internship (i.e., application process, interview, complete paperwork)
- Co-op is a great experience building opportunity (i.e., resume building)
- Be proactive in your internship search
- Attend CSAM Workshops for Job Search Strategies, Interview Strategies, Science Resume Writing and more. Register for all career events on Handshake.
Where can I find more information about co-ops?
- Register via Handshake to attend a CSAM Co-op Information Session
- Check out our Canvas page for more co-op info
- Send an email to grullonk@montclair.edu