Get to Know Co-op Education in College
Welcome to our guide to the top 10 universities offering remote cooperative programs. We’ll also discuss what co-op education programs are and their benefits for students. Let’s also discuss the steps in choosing the right remote cooperative program for you.
In 1906, Herman Schneider established the first co-op education program in the country. This was at the University of Cincinnati, where it continues to this day. At present, more than 900 colleges in the US offer formal co-op programs.
Then and now, co-op education programs adopt alternating periods between study and work. Students have opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In doing so, they develop practical knowledge and skills in their specific areas of study.
Featured Programs
But times change and co-op education changed with the times. During the 2000s, an increasing number of co-op programs started offering remote work. This was in line with the rise of globalization and the digital economy. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its lockdowns, further increased the demand for remote work.
Why choose online co-op work opportunities in the first place? In-person co-op opportunities have made a comeback, with lockdowns a thing of the past. Online co-op work opportunities provide many benefits for college students, including:
- Enjoy flexibility and convenience in your daily schedule.
- Build your practical skills.
- Gain access to international jobs.
Check out co-op education programs with remote work opportunities ASAP. You will find that, indeed, these are excellent opportunities to broaden your horizons.
Related Articles:
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- The Best Online Cooperative Education Programs for Digital Nomads
- Best Cooperative Programs for Remote and Flexible Tech Work Placements
- Top Industries Actively Hiring Cooperative Program Graduates
What Is a Cooperative Education Program?
The best remote work co-op programs have unique features. These include the eligibility requirements, duration of work, and types of work opportunities.
Every co-op education program features the following:
Offered by an accredited college
It’s an educational model administered by an accredited college. In every college, the co-op program is a formal partnership between the college and selected employers.
Alternating periods of work and study
Co-op programs enable students to alternate between periods of work and study. The work placements can be part-time or full-time and last between a few months to a year. These can also be a cycle throughout your college education or for specific years only.
Paid or unpaid work
Depending on the co-op program, students can get paid or unpaid work.
Enable students to integrate academics with work experience
Since co-op work is related to your major, it’s a seamless study-to-work application.
Universities with remote cooperative education also offer in-person work opportunities. The main difference is the location of work available for students. Both remote and in-person co-op work opportunities provide students with valuable work experience.
Benefits of Remote Cooperative Programs
Remote co-op work brings the following unique benefits that in-person co-op work doesn’t.
Develop practical digital skills.
Remote co-op work demands a wider range of digital skills. You have to master more digital tools with more sophisticated features and functions. Communication platforms and cloud-based collaboration tools are examples.
Build soft skills.
You’ll also develop transferable skills with applications in the digital and physical worlds. Communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are the most important. You’ll also develop your self-management skills including determination, drive, and discipline.
Enjoy a good work-life balance.
Flexible co-op programs for students enable them to enjoy a better work-life balance. There’s no need to commute, meaning more time and money savings and less commuting stress. You can work from home and meet your personal responsibilities.
Gain more access to a wider job market.
Many colleges offering remote co-op work opportunities have partnerships with international companies. You can apply for international jobs without traveling abroad. There are also co-op work opportunities across state lines.
Indeed, remote co-op work removes geographical barriers. You can explore more diverse industries and positions beyond what your local area can offer. Once you have your foot in the global door, you have a head start to an international career.
Top 10 Cooperative Programs Offering Remote Work Opportunities
Northeastern University
Program Name: Cooperative Education
Key Features:
Northeastern is among the top co-op programs for remote work because of its robust industry partnerships. Students choose from employers on seven continents.
- More than 115 years of co-op education history
- Almost all students participate, with undergraduates completing 2-3 jobs
- Most jobs are paid full-time roles
- Students can choose between hybrid and remote jobs depending on their employers
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Students choose from a wide range of industries and jobs. Biomedical, defense, finance, and technology are popular.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Co-op coordinators
- Required co-op prep course
- Co-op Student Handbook
Drexel University
Program Name: Cooperative Education
Key Features:
Students can gain up to 18 months of paid professional work experience. Most majors must complete the co-op education requirement.
- Alternating six-month periods between work and study
- $20,000 in gross median six-month salary, with more than 80% of jobs paid by employers
- Choice between the Three Co-op Option and One Co-op Option
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Students choose from more than 1,700 companies in the public and private sectors.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Separate undergraduate, graduate, and international co-op programs
- Dedicated co-op staff at the Steinbright Career Development Center
- Peer mentoring
University of Cincinnati
Program Name: Cooperative Education
Key Features:
Cincinnati prepared for remote work opportunities through its Remote Work Center. Students in certain degree programs must complete co-op education. These include undergraduate programs in architecture, communication design, and fashion design. Graduate programs with mandatory co-op education include community planning and landscape architecture.
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Students have access to co-op work opportunities at Fortune 500 companies. International placements include South America, Morocco, and China.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Options include international experience, international co-op, study abroad, and experiential exploration programs
- Choice between full-time, part-time, and project-based co-op
- Remote and in-person co-op
- Career coaches and co-op advisors
Georgia Institute of Technology
Program Name: Cooperative Education
Key Features:
Georgia Tech’s co-op program is among the country’s oldest and largest programs.
- Offers integrated curriculum and structured work experiences
- Alternate periods of full-time study and full-time paid professional work
- Robust and diverse industry partnerships
- With a strong emphasis on STEM industries and jobs as befits its academic thrust
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Students choose from more than 700 businesses and organizations across diverse industries.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- In-person and remote work opportunities
- Access to Undergraduate Co-op and Internship Programs team
- One-on-one co-op information sessions
- Career counseling services
- Onboarding support
Rochester Institute of Technology
Program Name: Cooperative Education
Key Features:
Most undergraduate programs require students to complete co-op education. Engineering, art and design, and business students, among others, must complete it. The RIT Co-op in Industry features:
- Full-time work, usually 35+ hours per week
- Paid employment, in most cases
- Between 1-2 terms in length
- Off-campus experience with remote work opportunities
- Tuition-free
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Students have access to more than 1,800 domestic and international employers.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Choice in the timing of co-op work, such as during a semester or summers
- Career development and counseling services for co-op students
Purdue University
Program Name: Professional Practice
Key Features:
Purdue is among the best affordable online colleges with co-op programs offering remote work placements.
- Students gain 12-22 months of professional work experience
- Competitive salaries come with co-op employment
- Students usually complete 3-5 work sessions with the same employers
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Engineering, manufacturing, and business industries are among Purdue’s partners.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Academic certificate issued upon completion of 12-18 months of full-time work
- Customizable schedules based on your academic schedule and other factors
- Career counseling and development services
Kettering University
Program Name: Cooperative and Experiential Education
Key Features:
Kettering’s co-op program is a three-way partnership between the college, student, and employer.
- Alternating schedules – 11 weeks of full-time study and 12 weeks of professional work
- Students take part in professional development modules
- Mandatory participation
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Students find employment in diverse industries, from healthcare to business.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Access to co-op managers and the co-op team
- Mentorship services
- Personalized schedules
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Program Name: Cooperative Education Experience
Key Features:
Rensselaer’s remote work placements in cooperative education include both start-ups and large corporations.
- Co-op experience is a paid, full-time experience
- At least six months in professional work placements
- Except for freshmen, open to all students with at least one semester left
- Optional experience
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Rensselaer’s students find co-op employment in engineering, technology, and manufacturing industries, among others.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Students work with co-op advisors to choose the best opportunities based on their course loads.
- Access to career services and faculty mentoring
Stevens Institute of Technology
Program Name: Stevens Cooperative Education Program for Undergraduate Students
Key Features:
This is a competitive program where students alternate between full-time studies and work. Career fairs, interview days, and a networking night are available.
- Optional participation for undergraduate students
- Eligible undergraduate programs include computer science, cybersecurity, and many engineering specializations
- Option for a five-year degree plan
- Students complete 3-5 work sessions
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Students align their majors with remote work opportunities, such as in engineering and biotech.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Customizable academic and work schedules
- Dedicated co-op services through the Stevens Career Center
- Faculty and co-op advisors mentorship
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Program Name: Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP)
Key Features:
Virginia Tech’s CEIP is a four-way partnership between Career and Professional Development, the academic department, the employer, and the student.
- Students complete a zero-credit course in preparation for co-op education.
- Full-time and part-time work options.
Types of Industries and Roles Offered:
Most co-op students are from the College of Engineering. Thus, engineering companies are popular choices. But placements in the business, health, and biotech industries are common, too.
Flexibility and Support Offered:
- Attendance in information, orientation, and enrollment sessions
- Career development services
How to Choose the Right Remote Co-op Program
All the featured college co-op programs with online work options are excellent choices. But choosing the best one for your needs and wants demands careful consideration.
Define your personal interests and professional goals.
Your college major and remote co-op work opportunities must align. So, it makes sense to choose a remote co-op program based on your interests and goals.
Consider accreditation and reputation.
Check for regional accreditation, as it guarantees compliance with current academic standards. Plus, it means the college is eligible for federal and state aid.
Consider the student support services, quality of instruction, and curriculum, too. Do your research into the school’s reputation. Read rankings and student testimonials.
Determine your learning preferences and style.
Colleges that offer remote co-op work opportunities offer in-person and online academic programs. If it’s possible, choose between these programs based on your learning preferences and style. Both in-person and online programs have their merits.
Look at the financial aid options.
With the rising cost of college, financial aid to cover part or all your costs is a must.
Determine the range and robustness of the program’s industry connections.
The best co-op education programs have wide and robust employee partnerships. Ask about the types of jobs, industries, and support services co-op students can take advantage of.
By considering these factors, you’ll make the right choice. Take your time, too, since your choice can determine your future.
Conclusion – Now Is the Right Time to Explore Co-op Education
The beauty of virtual co-op opportunities for students is the opportunity to earn while you learn. Unlike work-study programs, however, you can enjoy a better work-life balance. You also have access to interstate and international opportunities without leaving your home.
Indeed, it’s time to explore remote co-op education and work opportunities. You’ll agree that with your digital skills, you’re taking control of your future career. All these benefits while you’re still a college student, too.