Co-op Requirements

All undergraduate students in the College of Engineering and Innovation are required to complete one to three co-ops, depending on their major. 

• Co-op job duties must be related to your major.
• You must work full time 40 hours per week for one semester or part time 20 hours per week for two consecutive semesters for each required co-op.
• You must be supervised by an employer/mentor and work at a professional location where business is conducted. Remote work is allowed if approved by your co-op employer and the BGSU co-op office.
• All co-op positions are paid positions. The College of Engineering and Innovation does not sanction unpaid co-ops and advocates that all students are compensated for the skills, talents and contributions they offer.
• Co-op employment cannot be self-employed.
• A credit-bearing co-op course is completed in unison with your co-op.
• Co-op experiences can be completed during fall, spring or summer semesters. Work with your academic advisor to develop a graduation plan that works best for your academic and career goals. 
• Co-ops can be completed anywhere in the world. 
• Each co-op experience can be with a different employer or the same employers. They can be completed in alternating semesters or back-to-back. Completing rotating co-ops in multiple semesters to experience the cyclical nature of industry is most beneficial. Each co-op experience should improve your skills and further develop your academic and career goals. 

Your co-op does not have to be called a co-op to count as a co-op. If the position meets the general co-op requirements, it can count as your co-op.

Online students in quality systems and management and technology follow a different protocol for their co-op requirement and should consult with their faculty advisor.