Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education is a unique plan of educational enrichment designed to enhance self-realization and direction.  This plan is accomplished through the integration of classroom theory with a planned and supervised practical work experience related to the student’s major field of academic study and career goals.

Students holding part-time or full-time jobs may petition for academic credit.  Once a Cooperative Education training assignment has been approved, the student must register for Co-op and pay for Co-op credits and fees the same as any other course.

There are two types of Co-op plans in use at the University:

1. Parallel Co-op: A Parallel Co-op is like a part-time job.  The student goes to school full-time and works about 20 hours per week each semester.  Students receive six (6) credits for Parallel Co-op.
2. Alternating Co-op: With an Alternating Co-op, the student alternates semesters between full-time work and full-time study.  Students receive twelve (12) credits for Alternating Co-op.

For eligibility and registration information concerning the Cooperative Education program, click on the appropriate link in the left margin.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Cooperative Education program, students must:

1. Have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of college credit and have attained sophomore standing;
2. Have and maintain a grade point average (GPA) 2.5/4.0 overall;
3. Be willing to co-op a minimum of two (2) work periods;
4. Graduate students must have completed one semester and maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better.

In addition, transfer students must complete one full semester at Bowie State University in order to be eligible for Co-op, unless the student is transferring as a Co-op student.  The transfer student must also have a GPA of 2.5/4.0 or better.

Registration Procedures 

Students who meet and agree to adhere to the conditions outlined for the Cooperative Education program may apply for participation in the program through the Career, Co-op and International Services office.  Although placements cannot be guaranteed, the process includes the following:

1. Complete the Cooperative Education application form (see form below).
2. Submit a resume that has been critiqued by the Career, Co-op and International Services office.
3. Undergo pre-placement guidance and counseling with either the student’s faculty advisor, Co-op staff, or other faculty as necessary.
4. If a Co-op placement is secured, under the guidance of Co-op staff and appropriate faculty, a Learning Contract detailing general placement data, job description, learning objectives, and credit responsibilities is developed.
5. Once approved by the faculty advisor, three (3) copies of the Learning Contract are signed and dated.  The student retains the original, leaves one copy with the sponsor, and the third to the Co-op office.
6. The student must officially register for Cooperative Education and submit the appropriate payment.  The usual pre-registration or drop-add procedures must be followed.  Failure to meet this requirement will result in termination of the placement and loss of credit.
7. The student must notify the appropriate personnel in the Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid Office (if applicable) of the decision to go on Co-op.

For additional information on participating in the Cooperative Education program, please visit the Career, Co-op and International Services office and make an appointment to speak with a Co-op staff member.