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Cooperative Education


What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education began in the early 1900s when Dr. Herman Schneider, an engineering professor at the University of Cincinnati, established a program so his students could obtain concrete experience in addition to their academic studies. Working with local employers, he implemented the alternating schedule between school and work that is used today.

Although Cooperative Education first began primarily for engineering majors, the program has now grown to encompass all majors. Employers who participate in Cooperative Education Experiences are potentially able to locate students who become full-time employees without the regular costs of a full job search.

Cooperative Education Experiences offer students organized work experiences that relate to their academic major and career interests. Students are able to get practical, hands-on training that enables them to be viable potential job candidates.


How does Cooperative Education work at UNA?

The University of North Alabama engages in the alternating plan for Cooperative Education. Students spend a semester working full-time and then a semester attending school. Generally, this schedule alternates opposite quarters. However, it can vary depending on an employer’s or a student’s individual needs.

To apply for a posted Cooperative Education position, students must come to Career Planning & Development to obtain an application and reference forms. Each student must submit a résumé, application, and at least two reference forms (one must be from the student’s major) to Career Planning & Development to be eligible. (In addition, other requirements may apply, based on the specific company.) Career Planning & Development will submit the packet to the company who will then interview candidates of their choosing. Students must have a 2.0 GPA.


What companies have participated?

Some employers that UNA students have completed Cooperative Education Experiences with include:


Advanced Systems

Aegis

Amoco

Bell South

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Boeing

Champion International Corp./International Paper

City of Birmingham

City of Florence

Combined Life Insurance

Disney World College Program

General Electric

Honda

Huntsville Utilities

Intel

Internal Revenue Service

Internal Revenue Service

Katina

Monsato

Montgomery Waterworks

NASA

Redstone Arsenal

Sears

Teledyne-Brown

Tenneco

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

US Army Corps of Engineers

US Fish & Wildlife

US Marshall Space Flight Center

Wilson Sporting

Cooperative Education organizations:

The organizations listed below are great sources of information about Cooperative Education.