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Co-op Education

Earn While You Learn

Valpo’s Co-op Education Program blends academic learning with paid professional experience. Beginning after sophomore year, students alternate between school and co-op work over five terms. Each student is closely supported by faculty and co-op advisors to ensure academic progress while gaining real-world engineering skills. This hands-on model prepares graduates for the demands of today’s workforce.

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College of Engineering

Real-World Experience

Valpo’s Co-op Program, established in 1983, allows engineering students with a minimum 2.4 GPA to earn academic credit while gaining paid experience. Starting the summer after sophomore year, students alternate between classes and up to five work terms with the same employer. Progress is closely monitored by program and faculty advisors.

College of Engineering

Co-op Advantages

To the Graduate
  • Improves academic performance
  • Increases educational motivation
  • Develops interpersonal skills
  • Provides funds to support and complete college education
  • Integrates academic theory with practical work experiences
  • Enriches total education resulting in a more well-rounded individual
  • Tests career interests
  • Assists participants in making informed decisions about career goals and prospective employers
  • Enhances graduation placement status
  • Establishes a potential post-graduation employer
  • Traditionally results in a higher starting salary as compared to non-co-op graduates
  • Typically results in more rapid advancement as compared to non-co-op associates

To the Co-op Employer
  • Allows screening, selection, and recruitment of students for permanent positions
  • Provides a cost-effective source of para-professional staffing
  • Provides a more effective and less expensive recruitment strategy
  • Increases employee retention rate
  • Allows evaluation of students for full-time positions after graduation
  • Improves overall employer-university relationships

To Valpo
  • Creates better prepared, more competitive and marketable graduates
  • Facilitates and improves relations with the employing community
  • Provides better feedback on the adequacy of students’ academic preparation

Typical Schedule
YearFirst SemesterSecond SemesterSummer Session
1SchoolSchoolWork
2SchoolSchoolCo-op
3Co-opSchoolCo-op
4SchoolCo-opCo-op
5SchoolSchool

Contact and Help

Engineering students, faculty, and staff may contact the Engineering IT Specialist for help with any technology issues. In the case that staff are not immediately available, please contact the IT Help Desk

College of Engineering

219.464.5678

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