Work Experience for Academic Credit
COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE FOR WORKFORCE STUDENTS
Gain relevant experience Earn academic credit Clarify career goals
Cooperative Work Experience (Co-Op) is an educational program that combines classroom
learning with supervised practical work experience. Students who are enrolled in
a co-op course earn two to three credit hours (depending on degree plan course requirements)
toward an Associate of Applied Science degree or eligible Professional Certificate.
Some workforce programs require students to complete a Cooperative Work Experience;
for others, the Co-Op is optional.
Co-ops are made possible by a strong partnership between the student, employer, and Collin College. Job search assistance is available to students, or you may use your existing, relevant employment for co-op credit; however, the position and employer must first be approved by a Workforce Program Career Coach or Faculty member. If a Co-Op is not a part of your workforce program, you can look at possible internship postings on Cougar Student Jobs.
What is the difference between Internships and Co-Ops?
Internships
- No college credit awarded
- Can last more than one semester
- Can be at any point in the academic program
- Promoted on Cougar Student Jobs
Co-Ops
- Typically the semester prior to graduation
- Co-op course will earn the student 3 college credit hours
- Required to work 320 total hours for a three credit hour co-op course during the semester
- Required to work 160 total hours for a two credit hour co-op course during the semester
Common To Both
- Student seek employer and are not placed by Career Coaches
- Part Time or Full Time
- Exposure to Industry Experts
- Recommended to seek a paid position
Co-Op eligibility checklist:
- Have declared a major and are working toward a workforce degree or certificate
- Have completed at least one long semester at Collin College and are currently enrolled in at least one three credit course
- Major is in AAS degree or certificate program that lists co-op as a required course (or suggested elective)
- Overall GPA is 2.5 or better
- At appropriate point in degree plan sequence (typically the semester prior to graduation)
- Have secured a position (paid or volunteer) that relates to your college major
- International students must meet additional requirements; see the appropriate career coach for details
Course requirements:
- For 3 credit hour co-op: work and document 320 total hours during over course of semester (16 weeks during long semester and 10 weeks over the summer)
- For 2 credit hour co-op: work and document 160 total hours during over course of semester (16 weeks during long semester and 10 weeks over the summer)
- Prepare and execute 5 competency-based goals while on the job
- Attend 16 hours of professional development seminars and complete evaluation forms
- Submit a 3-5-page reflection paper
- Coordinate and participate in 2 on-site meetings with your supervisor and faculty advisor
Getting Started
| Step 1 → Meet with your Career Coach the semester before graduation to confirm eligibility (at least 8 weeks before the
end of the semester). |
| Step 2 → Once you have met with your Career Coach you will need to secure employment. |
| Step 3 → Meet with your Career Coach with your completed Employer Statement Comittment Letter and review course requirements before registering for the CO-OP course. |
*International Students will need to contact a Career Coach before attempting to seek a CO-OP or employment.
** International Students will need to contact the International Student Office for eligibility requirements.
WELCOME INDUSTRY PARTNERS!