Co-op Program Overview
Putting Your Degree to Work
The Bowling Green State University (BGSU), College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering (CTAAE), Cooperative Education Program 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, paid co-op work experiences as part of their degree requirements. The Cooperative Education Program provides students with many benefits which includes learning how to navigate a job search, gaining industry skills and experience, 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 employer partnerships are mutually beneficial and integral in providing valuable work experiences for BGSU CTAAE students.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Students 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.
"I think the College of Technology co-op has done a great job. I love the fact that they make co-op experiences mandatory and feel the resources they have available make it easy for students to find positions to complete their co-ops."
– Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology student
"My co-op clarified my area of study by allowing me to experience what it’s like to be in a design office and see what kind of career goals I can set for myself. My co-op has improved post-graduation job opportunities as I’ve already been offered a position upon graduation."
– Architecture student
“Through my co-op, I have learned true life values and developed a strong belief in helping others through the work I have completed. This co-op has changed my personal life for the better.”
– Visual Communication Technology student
"I have learned an extensive amount by working at my co-op, something that could never be portrayed in the classroom. The job experience and the coursework go hand in hand, however the co-op experience is very important. It’s important to work in the field before you graduate so you know what it’s going to be like."
– Aviation student
“My co-op experiences have been so beneficial to my education by providing me with the opportunity to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in the field.”
– Construction Management student
“By experiencing the class work in a real life job environment, it helps the student understand the benefits of each class. This also helps students take classes more seriously by realizing if they learn the material in class, they will have a head start apply that knowledge to the job field. I think my co-op enhances the classroom material because you are learning it from a different person besides your instructor.”
– Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology student
“co-op's are one of the most beneficial experiences a student can do while earning their degree. There is definitely a difference between learning skills in a class room, and being in the real world, experiencing the industry. This co-op has definitely given me a link into the professional market.”
– Visual Communication Technology student
“I feel my co-ops helped me to see what a job with a company would be like. I used the skills learned in the classroom and applied that knowledge in order to perform well at my co-op, landing me a job at graduation. I felt Bowling Green State University prepared me well for the correct concepts and practical knowledge to be successful.”
– Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology student
"My experience so far has been incredible!! I have not only had an amazing internship experience, but also a life changing cultural experience as well! I have not felt home sick once since I have been here! Everyone I meet treats me like family."
-Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology Student
Bowling Green State University is committed to a culture of inclusion and respect and the Cooperative Education Office embraces this commitment.
The Cooperative Education Office in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering is dedicated to breaking down barriers and equitably and empathetically assisting every student in attaining a cooperative education experience.
To promote and nurture inclusion and belonging the Bowling Green State University Division of Inclusion and Belonging provides support, information and resources to students.
Accessibility Services provides support for students with disabilities and Ohio College2Careers offers co-op and career development support for students with disabilities. Christi Parker, Ohio College2Careers Counselor at BGSU can be reached at cristi.parker@ood.ohio.gov OR 419-309-0228.
Students who are enrolled in a fulltime cooperative education experience have access to BGSU resources and support. Additionally, the federal government protects employees (including students) through various laws and policies including, but not limited to OSHAct , EEOC and FLSA.
The Co-op Office does not sanction unpaid co-ops/internships. Unpaid co-ops/internships further disadvantage marginalized students therefore, the co-op office advocates that all students are compensated for the skills, talents and contributions they offer.
Updated: 04/02/2025 02:41PM