Cooperative Education and Internship
FAQ for Students
What is Cooperative Education and Internship?
The NDSU Career Center defines Cooperative Education and Internship as career-related, work experiences taken for academic credit. As a Cooperative Education and Internship student, you use what you've learned in the classroom and apply it to a related work environment.
Cooperative Education and Internship is a program for all majors and helps a student to:
- test a career decision before graduation
- apply learning in real work situations
- gain relevant experience
- gain a competitive edge in the professional job market
- earn money to help with college and living expenses
- network with professionals and potential employers
What kind of employers or worksites might I find?
A broad range. Some are large multinational corporations, representing a wide scope of career fields such as technology, manufacturing, financial services, sales and communications. Many students work in smaller businesses, gaining important entrepreneurial experience. Others are employed at nonprofit agencies and government offices.
Will I have enough of the skills that employers might expect?
You can work with a Career Specialist on campus to develop or review your resume. Employers realize that students are developing their skills as they continue their education. They plan work levels that are appropriate.
Will other students be working there?
It depends on the employer. Smaller businesses are less likely to have other students, but they offer a great opportunity to learn a lot about the enterprise. Many larger companies employ multiple students each term.
How can I work and still be a student?
By registering for 3 credits through the NDSU Cooperative Education and Internship program,(working 300 hours or more per semester), you retain your full-time student status even if you are not taking any additional credits. During this time:
- student loans do not come due
- those covered by family health insurance will not be dropped
How does Cooperative Education and Internship fit in my NDSU schedule?
Cooperative Education/Internship assignments may be completed during any semester. Options include:
- Parallel: Students work part time with a local employer and still take classes at NDSU
- Alternating: Students alternate between attending classes on campus full time for a semester and working full time on a Cooperative Education and Internship assignment for a semester
- One Semester: Students work on a Cooperative Education and Internship assignment for one semester only.
- Consecutive: Students work 2 or 3 semesters in a row
How many credits will I earn?
The NDSU Cooperative Education/Internship Program calculates the number of hours worked per semester to determine the number of Cooperative Education and Internship credits earned.
- 100-199 hours per semester = 1 credit
- 200-299 hours per semester = 2 credits
- 300 + hours per semester = 3 credits
Enrollment Requirements
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA prior to Cooperative Education and Internship placement
- Field experience is directly related to the student's major field of study and/or career goals
- Student must be engaged in learning by actively participating in the work experience
- Student registers with NDSU CAREERlink
- Student must be covered under employer’s workman’s compensation insurance or comparable vocational training insurance
- all majors are eligible to participate
What is the cost?
Cost per credit is always the same as in-state tuition plus University fees. There are no additional continuing education fees.
Since many NDSU students have the opportunity to do more than one Cooperative Education and Internship session, credits are half price after the first 3 credits are earned.
Payment for credits is the responsibility of the student, unless covered by the employer or a third party. A growing number of Cooperative Education/Internship employers are making the investment in NDSU students by paying the cost of the Cooperative Education and Internship credits.
How do I get a Cooperative Education and Internship job?
- Many students will find the Cooperative Education and Internship position of their choice through NDSU CAREERlink. Employers list opportunities for students to view.
- Some students find positions related to their major on their own and want to earn Cooperative Education and Internship credit. Schedule an appointment with a career specialist to discuss your position.
How do I register for Cooperative Education and Internship Credits?
To register for Cooperative Education and Internship credits and to complete the necessary forms, students will come to the Career Center at 306 Ceres Hall. Students should plan to spend 15-20 minutes completing the registration packet.
If a student is extending an out-of-town Cooperative Education and Internship (or is registering from out-of-town for a first time Cooperative Education and Internship), he/she must contact an Internship Coordinator at 701.231.7111.
Why would I want to register for Cooperative Education and Internship instead of just working a part time job?
Students who participate in Cooperative Education and Internship are in a stronger position for obtaining a job in their field after they graduate because they have the kind of prior, related experience sought by employers. Additionally, students maintaining full-time student status and have the experience reflected on their transcripts.