The combination of classroom and experiential learning enriches students’ course of study and promotes career development.
Learning goals include:
- Intellectual growth (critical thinking and communication skills)
- Academic growth (increased knowledge of the field of interest and the development of technical skills)
- Personal and professional growth (the cultivation of ethical and social awareness, as well as career and individual development)
A student is eligible to go on co-op if (s)he:
- Has a GPA that is 2.0 or greater for domestic co-ops, or 2.75 for international co-ops;
- Has successfully completed the Professional Development for Co-op course; and
- Has procured approval from the department’s co-op coordinator.
Transfer students must also meet these requirements.
Co-op is a three step process. It includes preparation, activity and reflection. The “preparation” spans the entire semester prior to co-op. It includes skill development (e.g. interviewing and résumé writing) as well as the application process. The “activity” is the six month co-op experience (January to June, or July through December). The “reflection” component takes place after the return to campus. The Department of Art + Design recommends that students conduct two co-ops, or a combination of co-op and some other form of experiential education, such as study abroad, undergraduate research, or internships.
For details about preparing for co-op, and for application deadlines, contact our co-op coordinator.
Employers seeking to hire an Art + Design co-op student should complete our online form, and a staff member will follow up immediately.
You can learn more about the co-op program on the university’s co-op website.