Co-op Program Overview

Putting Your Degree to Work

The Cooperative Education program in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering at Bowling Green State University is a mandatory alternating program that integrates classroom academics with practical work experience in the students field of study. All students in the college are required to complete one - three, credit bearing semester-long, full-time equivalent, paid co-op work experiences as part of their degree requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor, faculty mentor, Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections and the Cooperative Education Office to plan for multiple, rotating, co-op experiences.

The Cooperative Education Program provides students with many benefits which includes gaining industry skills and experience, navigating a job search, and developing a professional network.

Faculty and staff observe current trends and developments taking place in industry through interactions with co-op employer partners and their co-op students; a direct link to keeping course content up-to-date and relevant.

The co-op program has been affiliated with thousands of companies, organizations and agencies for over 50 years. These partnerships have been mutually beneficial and integral in providing valuable work experiences for BGSU CTAAE students.

Mission Statement

The Cooperative Education Program in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering facilitates students' cooperative education experiences with the purpose of augmenting academic learning through experiential education.

Goals

To assure the student's approved co-op is directly related to their field of study.
To assure each student receives supervision from an experienced mentor from their industry while completing their co-op.
To assure each student receives compensation during their co-op.
To assure each student receives feedback from their co-op employer and assigned faculty representative through an evaluation and site review.
To assure each student completes a written report to assess their co-op experience.
To assure that students are encouraged to complete multiple, alternating and rotating cooperative education experiences.
To assure that each student receives industry-related, experience in the field of their major prior to graduation.

Learning Outcomes

Students will assess the relationships between theory and practice as observed in a professional setting.
Students will develop interpersonal and communication skills through networking and collaborating with diverse personnel.
Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively interact in varied industry environments.
Students will demonstrate professional ethics as it relates to industry.
Students will assess industry standards related to quality and productivity.
Student will assess how the co-op experience relates to education and career success.
Students will apply critical thinking skills as it relates to their profession.

Updated: 08/02/2023 10:59AM