Mandatory Co-op

Students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), and School of Information Technology (SoIT) take part in UC's renowned mandatory co-op program. You will gain hands-on, paid, full-time work experience (35+ hours per week) for 15–18 weeks per semester, alternating between academic studies and professional co-op terms. During co-op you’ll build your skills, network, and resume while earning a paycheck.

To join a mandatory co-op program:

• Be a full-time student (at least 12 credit hours/term) in an eligible major.
• Complete the required number of co-op terms for your program.
• Take an introductory professional development (PD) course to apply.
• Be open to positions anywhere in the continental U.S. or worldwide.
• Maintain good academic standing (no deficiencies, meet your college’s minimum GPA).
• Students must receive permission from their home college and co-op faculty to begin the co-op job search.

Talk to your academic advisor about enrolling in a PD course to build skills like resume writing and interviewing.

If you hold a resident visa (green card), F-1, or J-1 visa, you’re eligible. F-1/J-1 holders must complete one full year of U.S. classes first (exceptions for certain graduate programs or international placements). Opportunities in fields like aerospace engineering may be limited in the U.S.

All experiential learning requires registration with UC International Services via the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eForm in iBearcatsGlobal. For U.S.-based or U.S.-company roles, get I-20 authorization. International roles with non-U.S. employers don’t need I-20 updates but still require the eForm. Enroll in the relevant course (e.g., 0-credit co-op). Contact UC International or visit Curricular Practical Training [add link under get experience] to learn more.