Cooperative Education
Cooperative Education (Co-op) program is a multi-semester, structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a "co-op", provides academic credit for structured job experience that combine existing courses/coursework with real work experiences.
Cooperative Education (Co-op) at a Glance
- Minimum 2.5 GPA, minimum 60 credits
- Earn credit towards your degree (Substitutes for courses in your degree program)
- Gain practical work experience
- 3 Credits per semester, for a total of 6 credits (two semester minimum, four maximum)
- Approximately 10 hours per week, totaling 150 hours (per semester)
- Evaluation is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory
Co-op experiences are embedded into 18 undergraduate degree programs at Wilmington University:
- Accounting
- Accounting and Finance
- Behavioral Science
- Business Management
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Government and Public Policy
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Finance
- Game Design and Development
- Health Sciences
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Media Design
- Psychology
- Video and Motion Graphics
- Web Information Systems
Getting Started
Step 1: Find a Position
Log in to Handshake to explore explore available positions. You will need to create a Handshake account and either build a resume within the platform or upload an existing resume. Contact prospective companies or agencies directly to determine position availability. If you already have a position that has been offered to you please continue to step 2.
You are not required to find a position through Handshake. Students may secure positions through other resources such as internships.com, online searches, networking, or employer outreach.
Students may not accept opportunities with home-based businesses or organizations.
Step 2: Meet with Your Program Chair
Schedule an appointment with your Academic Program Chair to discuss eligibility, approval, and the process for receiving academic credit for your internship or cooperative education experience. You can find and contact your program chair using the Faculty Directory in MyWilmU.
International students must receive approval from the Office of International Admission before starting a position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a co-op experience last?
A: A co-op experience is a multi-semester program requiring a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of four, ideally completed consecutively. Students typically work 10 to 15 hours per week, resulting in approximately 300 to 600 total hours. Additional faculty-assigned academic work may also be required.
Q: How do I find a co-op positions?
A: Co-op positions may be found through Handshake, or students may secure their own position. All positions must be reviewed and approved by the student’s Academic Program Chair to ensure they meet academic requirements.
Q: Does this take the place of an internship?
A: An approved co-op experience may substitute for a required internship in a student’s major, subject to approval by the Academic Program Chair.
Q: Am I guaranteed a co-op assignment?
A: Co-op positions are not guaranteed. Availability may vary based on factors such as the employment market and employer needs. Placement decisions are made solely at the discretion of the employer. Co-op confirmations of job assignments/offers are left to the discretion of the employer and only the employer.