1.  If I have less than 12 hours to take after my last co-op term, can I still apply to the Co-op Program?
  2.  Are international students eligible to co-op?  What about graduate students?
  3.  If I apply to the Co-op Program, am I obligated to accept a co-op position? 
  4.  If I do not complete the program, do I still get credit?
  5.  How long does co-op push back graduation?
  6.  Do I earn money as a co-op?
  7.  Do I have to register for the co-op class?
  8.  What do I do about my housing/apartment if I go away to co-op?
  9.  Can I still receive scholarships and financial aid when I co-op?
10.  How do I find a co-op job?
11.  Can co-op experience count toward Professional Engineering licensure?
12.  I have already received a co-op offer but have not yet applied to the Co-op Program. Can I still co-op?

Co-op Application FAQs

1.  If I have less than 12 hours to take after my last co-op term, can I still apply to the Co-op Program?
Students who have questions regarding this prerequisite should come by the Co-op Office (ECJ  2.400) and speak directly with a Co-op Counselor.  Dean's approval may be required for students who have less than 12 hours to take.

2.  Are international students eligible to co-op?  What about graduate students?
Yes, international students are eligible to participate in the Co-op Program.  Our office will write a work authorization letter for you to take to the International Office each semester before you go off to work.  Participating in the Co-op Program (as long as you complete your required semesters) counts towards your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) hours. 

Graduate students are not eligible to participate in the Co-op Program.

3.  If I apply to the Co-op Program, am I obligated to accept a co-op position? 
No, you are simply eligible to accept a co-op position. When you apply to the Co-op Program, you are able to submit your resume to companies interviewing on campus for both co-op and internship positions. You are free to accept either a co-op or an internship position.

4.  If I do not complete the program, do I still get credit?
No, you cannot receive credit for co-op unless you complete all of your semesters.

5.  How long does co-op push back graduation?
Typically just one semester later than anticipated. Keep in mind that while co-oping may delay your graduation by one semester, you are gaining up to a year of full-time work experience, earning a great salary, increasing your options for full-time employment after you graduate, and positioning yourself for a higher starting salary after graduation.

6.  Do I earn money as a co-op?
Yes, co-op students earn great salaries!  Please refer to the co-op salary survey for more information.

7.  Do I have to register for the co-op class?
Only students who have been accepted into the Co-op Program and have found a job may register for the co-op course.  If you do not register for the course, you may lose your co-op credit and need to apply for readmission to the University.  To register for the co-op class, you have two registration options -- ROSE or Correspondence.  Students can register either way and still maintain their full-time student status.  Some co-op companies will reimburse students for their co-op registration fees.

8.  What do I do about my housing/apartment if I go away to co-op?
Students who are going away to co-op typically find another student returning from their co-op to sublease their apartment.  The Co-op Office does provide assistance in facilitating this connection.  Some companies do provide housing assistance -- it can be as simple as giving you a list of apartments in the area or sometimes providing you a fully-furnished apartment for the semester.

9.  Can I still receive scholarships and financial aid when I co-op?
No, you are not eligible to receive scholarships and financial aid when you co-op.  Before leaving for your co-op job, you would be required to complete the Co-op Form with the Engineering Scholarship Office and/or speak with a Financial Aid advisor.

10.  How do I find a co-op job?
Students looking for a co-op job will participate in on-campus interviewing through ECAC and also attend Career Fairs.  The Co-op Office will also contact companies on your behalf and send out your resume at the request of our co-op employers. 

11.  Can co-op experience count toward Professional Engineering licensure?
Yes! In the state of Texas, co-op experience can count toward the four years of experience required for P.E. licensure. Find out more.