Cooperative Engineering Education

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the program available to graduate students?
No. The College of Engineering does not formally supervise a co-op program for graduate students, but does provide information on graduate internships. Visit Information for Graduate Students.

How is the program structured?
The program offers two options to provide cooperative work experiences:

Alternating Option – students work full-time on alternating semesters.
Parallel Option – students work part-time while attending school.

How do I qualify for the program?
To qualify for the co-op program, students must meet the following criteria:

Must be admitted to the University of Texas at Arlington under regular admission procedures as an undergraduate student.
Must have completed 30 semester hours or more towards the degree.
Transfer students must also have completed all prerequisite requirements before applying.
Must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or better.
International students must have been tull time for a lease two semesters.
Undergraduate international students must be enrolled in a tuition-bearing course.

How do I apply?
Visit the the Student Information section for complete instructions.

What happens next?

The Co-op Office sends the student's resume’, unofficial transcript, application and degree plan to prospective employers.
Employers contact students that they wish to interview.
Students notify the Co-op Office once a position is accepted.
A pass/fail grade will be assigned. The grade is based on the employer’s evaluation of your performance during the training assignment, your evaluation of the co-op tour, and the work report. All of these documents must be turned in by the deadline date.

Will the co-op course show on my transcript?
Yes, the course and grade will show up as an accomplishment on your transcript.

Will co-op affect my financial aid or scholarships?
Possibly. Speak with someone in the Financial Aid Office to determine the impact of a co-op position on your financial aid and/or scholarship.

Can international students participate in the co-op program?
Yes, co-op is considered co-curricular training. If you have questions or are unsure of your eligibility for co-op, it is important that you speak with someone in the International Office. The International Office must verify eligibility and grant clearance for all international students who wish to participate. This clearance from the International Office must be obtained prior to submitting a co-op application.

Will doing a co-op delay my graduation?
Possibly, but this depends on your academic calendar. While it may add an additional semester or two for some, for others it will not have any impact on their graduation date. Remember that sometimes it’s better to extend your graduation date by a semester or two in order to have co-op experience on your resume!

Are all co-op position paid? How much will I make?
All co-op positions are paid; the individual employers determine the rates. The wages for engineering co-ops normally vary from $12 to $18 per hour.

How much time will I be working each semester?
That depends on whether the employer has designated the co-op assignment as an Alternating Option (full-time at 40 hours per week) or a Parallel Option (part-time at 20-25 hours per week).

What companies participate in the co-op program?
The Co-op Office works with a variety of companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. The employers vary depending on economic trends and the needs of the employers.

What if the company that I want to co-op with doesn’t currently participate in the co-op program?
If you know of a company where you would like to work, you can initiate the contact with them to discuss your participation as a co-op student. As long as the training is related to your major and the employer meets the College of Engineering’s Cooperative Education employer criteria, we will follow-up to establish a partnership, so you can get the experience with the company of your choice.

When is the best time to apply for the co-op program?
As a general rule, the beginning of a semester is the best time to apply for positions that will begin the following semester. Some of the larger companies with more structured hiring programs vary in application deadlines, so it is best to visit the company website for specific details. There are links to some of these company websites on our Company Resources pages. Also, many smaller companies also seek co-ops and interns on an as-needed basis, so you may be able to apply and secure a position at the last minute each semester.

Will I be guaranteed a position?
No. Obtaining a position will depend on the number of positions available vs. the number of students competing for them. However, there are three things that you can do to increase your chances of gaining a position: apply for more than one position, have a “polished” resume, and practice your interview skills.

What if I don’t receive an offer the first time I apply?
You may reapply the following semester if you are still eligible for the program.

What if I still need more information about the co-op program?
Stop by the Co-op Office in 242 Nedderman Hall, or call 817.272.2569, or email engcoop@uta.edu.