Cooperative Education

Structure work experience into the semester.

The Cooperative Education Program enriches the total education of students through off-campus experiences that are closely integrated with their academic studies.

Qualified chemistry students may combine semesters of paid chemical research at a professional work site with other semesters of traditional academic studies on campus. Although this program may extend the participating student’s college education beyond four years, the students will be financially reimbursed by the cooperating employer and will also receive credit toward the chemistry major.

Academic Credit

Students gain academic credit for their work through the following courses:

CHEM 381		Cooperative Education in Chemistry I	0.5–2 credits
CHEM 482		Cooperative Education in Chemistry II	0.5–2 credits
CHEM 483		Cooperative Education in Chemistry III	0.5–2 credits

Students must write a written report for each semester and may only re-enroll for a subsequent semester if they have received a satisfactory employer evaluation.

The courses may be repeated beyond CHEM 483 for additional credit, but no more than six credits earned in cooperative education may be applied toward minimum requirements of the major in chemistry.

Students are considered to be continuing full-time students of the University while on co-op assignment.

Enrollment and Eligibility

Enrollment in this program is limited by the availability of positions offered by suitable cooperating companies. Eligible students are junior or senior chemistry majors who have completed CHEM 222: Organic Chemistry II and achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 in their mathematics and science courses. Students must also receive approval from the chair of the department.