Co-ops & Internships

 

Co-ops and internships are a great way for students to gain experience in their career fields before earning a degree. These opportunities offer valuable networking resources and look great on your resume.

The Cooperative Education and Internship program at Alabama State University subscribes to the philosophy that learning does not confine itself to academic achievement, but is equally dependent upon practical experience. Cooperative Education alternates periods of formal classroom study with on-the-job work experience.

Co-ops vs. Internships

The same principles and concepts apply to co-ops and internships, with only a few differences:

  • Intern positions may or may not receive financial compensation (depending on the terms of the agreement).
  • Co-op agreements require the students to complete 26 weeks of work (alternating periods), whereas the length of time spent on intern assignments is less.

The Programs and How They Work

The Alabama State University Cooperative Education and Internship Programs offer students the opportunity to work in jobs that directly relate to their major while they complete their undergraduate degree. The Cooperative Education method in each area of academic concentration provides a direct link between the learning done in the classroom and the work done in the field.

Emphasis is placed on combining classroom theory with professional practice. Students may work multiple semesters as interns or as co-op students and receive academic credit for this work. A total of twelve (12) hours of co-op or internship credit may be accrued. It is awarded based on the number of hours worked per week. This credit may be used as general electives in most majors.

Student Eligibility

In order to be eligible for co-ops or internship opportunities, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be admitted with full-time status at Alabama State University.
  • Have completed 32 semester hours at Alabama State University or one academic year.
  • Have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
  • Have departmental approval.
  • Be recommended by the co-op area coordinator and a faculty member.
  • Have completed three informational sessions with the co-op coordinator after submitting the co-op application and before any interviews are scheduled.

Advantages to Students

Co-op and internship opportunities offer a number of advantages to students. Some of those advantages for students are:

  • Class credit (3 hours per assignment)
  • A chance to pre-test their career choice before it is too late
  • Work experience directly related to their major
  • Monetary Compensation
  • Strong possibility of employment upon graduation with the organization from which co-op experience was gained

Questions?

Contact the Career Services Office by phone at (334) 229-4156 or email if you’re interested in exploring co-op or internship opportunities.