Cooperative Education

*Employers wishing to post positions and recruit Quinsigamond Community College students and /or alumni must certify that they represent an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Cooperative Education (CO-OP) is a program that offers students a transitioning environment between College and career. It promotes the development of critical thinking, independent performance, the integration of theory and practice in the workplace, and student responsibility for learning. Most students can elect a Cooperative Education study option. It can be used as an elective in some academic programs, a requirement in others. A student can earn up to nine (9) credits in Cooperative Education toward their degree.

The CO-OP staff assists with job development, meets with inquiring students individually to assess their skills, abilities, and aspirations and matches employer needs with student interest and ability to create a mutually valuable work/education experience. To earn credits, students work a specified number of hours per week during the semester; develop a Learning Agreement that articulates the academic outcomes upon which their credit evaluation is based; attend an orientation and meet with their CO-OP advisor and the Placement Support Specialist, where they discuss their work activities, college studies, and career interests.

Participation in Cooperative Education

You can participate in QCC's CO-OP when ...

• you are enrolled in a QCC program
• you have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
• the employment position is directly related to your academic program
• you have completed at least 24 credits* toward your major

* Individual departments may require that a certain number of these credits or specific courses in the major be completed at QCC prior to participating in experience-based learning. Students entering a major with related academic learning may qualify prior to completion of 24 credits.

Cooperative Education provides:

1. Meaningful Experience
   Cooperative Education at QCC will give you the chance to work in your field - in time to make meaningful adjustments to your academic and career plans.
   Because you work full- or part-time in a job directly related to your major, you gain professional experience that makes you more competitive in the job market. In fact, many CO-OP jobs turn into full time jobs after graduation.
2. Academic Credit
   Cooperative Education at QCC is an academic program. You can earn up to 9 academic credits for CO-OP toward your QCC degree. CO-OP students are required to work 5 hours per week per credit in a job related to their academic program. Learning goals and objectives are established which are the basis for credit and your final grade.
   If you are already working in your field, your job may be appropriate for CO-OP.
3. Convenience
   Cooperative Education fits your schedule. At QCC, part or full time CO-OP jobs can begin at any time during the year. You can try out Cooperative Education for just one term or participate for several CO-OP semesters, advancing in skills and seniority.