Students' Frequently Asked Questions
What can co-op do for me?
- Reinforce academic theory learned in the classroom. You will be applying "real-life" work experiences to classroom instruction.
- Clarify and confirm your decision to study in your major. You will determine if you have chosen the right career track.
- Foster personal and professional growth as you accept positions of responsibility in a real work environment.
- Reward you financially. Co-op students are able to partially finance their education through their participation in the program.
- Enhance your employability upon graduation. Just ask any employer or co-op graduate.
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What are the requirements?
- Be a full-time, degree-seeking student with 45 credit hours
- 2.5 engineering and overall GPA (2.75 for chemical engineering)
- Commitment to at least two co-op worksite quarters with the same employer
- Register with the University for each work assignment
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How do I get started?
- Start early! Junior and senior years are too late. Late freshman/early sophomore year is best.
- Must be enrolled in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology (engineering, industrial technology, computer science majors).
- Attend one session of co-op "Nuts and Bolts" seminar.
- Schedule an appointment with the coordinator for career programs and fulfill requirements for job search skills, resume writing, and interviewing techniques.
- Create a profile on eRecruiting® and upload your critiqued resume.
- Apply and interview for position(s) in eRecruiting® and be willing to seriously consider a co-op employer's offer for degree-related work experience.
- Obtain co-op schedule approval from faculty co-op advisor.
- Register and pay for the appropriate one-credit-hour co-op course for every quarter you are at a worksite. No other fees are charged.
- Complete, within established deadlines, all requirements of the co-op course.
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 engineering and overall GPA. For chemical engineering majors, a minimum 2.75 engineering and overall GPA is required.
Note: Co-op students maintain full-time student status while at work.
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When do I work?
Students can work either alternating or back-to-back quarters, usually spring/summer or summer/fall. The employer’s needs and the student’s academic schedule determine the specific arrangement. The earlier the student enters the program, the more assignments he or she can work. Most students work three to five alternating quarters.
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What will I earn?
Student salaries depend on the student’s major, academic rank (sophomore, junior, or senior), employer, and number of work assignments. The average hourly wage is about $14.55 (the range is $9.25 - $22.00). Companies that pay a lower amount may help with tuition and books.
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Where will I work?
Most students work near their hometown. However, some employers provide housing or assist with relocation expenses. Relocating to new surroundings is part of preparation for the "real world."
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What happens to loans, grants, scholarships, health insurance, and university housing?
- Loans: Because you are considered a full-time student, you can receive loans while participating in co-op. If you decide you don't need the loan, you can receive it your next quarter at school.
- Grants: Grants are paid for the one-credit co-op hour during work quarters. The remainder of the full amount is disbursed during full-time quarters.
- Scholarships: You are eligible to receive Ohio University-administered scholarships while on a co-op.
- Health insurance: You are eligible for Ohio University insurance or coverage under your parents' policy.
- University housing: You are released from the University Housing Contract while on a co-op assignment.
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