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Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education is an optional program at the University of Dayton which integrates classroom theory with practical work experience. Participating students alternate semesters of full-time study at the University with semesters of full-time, paid work experience in industry, business or government. The Co-op program requires that the student’s employment be related to the academic discipline being pursued. It should be diversified enough to afford a broad learning experience. Subsequent work periods should increase in difficulty and responsibility.

By providing challenging, real-life assignments and projects, cooperative education experiences help students better understand, integrate and apply their classroom learning. Additionally, the experience provides students with the opportunity to better understand and develop their abilities and explore the many different career opportunities that may match their interests and abilities.

Students usually remain with the same employer throughout three to five work terms. This extends graduation up to a year or less. Approximately 80% of the co-op employers are located in Dayton and Southwest Ohio. Students that wish to develop a position in their home area will receive advice and assistance.

Some benefits of participation are:

• To gain practical training in a chosen academic discipline
• To gain broad exposure to your major field through contact with professionals, technology, techniques and knowledge which may be more contemporary than the classroom
• Define career goals and evaluate career choices
• To earn money for educational expenses
• To gain maturity, develop self-confidence and learn money management
• To become oriented to the work environment, facilitating the transition to full-time employment upon graduation
• To acquire work experience that develops understanding and appreciation of problems and diversities of society