Last update: 10/24/96

Cooperative Education

Undergraduate Studies
Dean: Erwin Seibel

Cooperative Education Program
Career Center
ADM 211
415-338-1050
Director: Jim Cheng

Program

 Certificate in Cooperative Education

The Cooperative Education Program enables students of all majors within the university to integrate academe with real world problems through alternating academically relevant work experiences with their class studies. Cooperative positions are arranged with the help of the program director and supervised by both the immediate work supervisor and a faculty coordinator from the students area of academic interest. Participation in the Cooperative Education Program expands and enhances career opportunities through experience gained with employers and often helps focus academic objectives. Students receive competitive wages and earn academic credit while involved in their field assignments. Employment periods may be either full- or part-time. Participants begin the program by completing the preparatory Cooperative Education Colloquium course, AU 293. Additional information may be obtained from the Cooperative Education Office in the Career Center.

Program Scope

This supplemental 25-unit certificate program is designed to give students within the university the opportunity to develop educational objectives and career opportunities. Enrollment in the cooperative education colloquium course is a requirement for all students and is used as the basis for evaluation of student potential and interest. The certificate indicates to the employer that the university validates the student's work experience in cooperative education and substantiates the experience as professional development and job training. Students receive academic credit and salaried compensation while enrolled and employed. Employment opportunities shall be provided to qualified students within the program and shall have academic relevance to the student's major course of study.

Since the certificate program shall be tailored to the students needs and specific major course of study, information about various degrees and programs offered may be found under the appropriate department or center. For further information contact the Cooperative Education Office in the Career Center.

Career Outlook

Students who complete the certificate program typically have greater employment options and salary benefits. Students who complete 1,052 hours in a cooperative education placement with the federal government receive a non-competitive permanent placement status with the employing agency or affiliated branch agencies. Cooperative education placements also lead to permanent job placements with private sector employers, better starting salaries, and better entry-level positions.

CERTIFICATE IN COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Admission Requirements

 To be admitted to the program students must comply with all criteria as set forth under the description of certificate programs of this university Bulletin. Additionally, students must:

Course credits are to be assigned through AU 693. Accumulated units do not count toward general education or major curricular requirements. Full-time summer placements are available and may earn six units of credit. Two major academic year placement options exist and are illustrated below.

Units

Prerequisite

AU 293	Cooperative Education Colloquium				1

Plan A: Parallel Pattern (part-time)

 
AU 693	Cooperative Education (6) [to be taken over four semesters]	24

Plan B: Alternating Pattern (full-time)

 
AU 693	Cooperative Education (12) [to be taken over two semesters]	24
Total for certificate							25