SUNY Oswego - Career Services

Co-Op Questions

Does it look like the Co-op program is a fascinating opportunity to get professional experience in your field of study and make some money? Do you feel like knowing a little more about the Co-op program? Below are some potential questions regarding the Co-op program.

Internship vs. Co-op: What's the difference?

How could a Co-op placement benefit my future career?

How long is the Co-op program?

What majors are involved in the program?

Am I eligible for the Co-op program?

Am I considered a full-time student during the work term?

When should I prepare for a Co-op?

Is a placement guaranteed in the Co-op program?

Is Co-op credit bearing?

How much will I make through the Co-op program?

Is there a mentor to answer my questions when I am in need?

Is there a grade for the Co-op program?

INTERNSHIP VS. CO-OP - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Comparison	Co-op	Internship
Work Term	Up to six months	10-12 weeks
Professional Experience	Y	Y
Full Time Employment	Y	Y/N
Credit Bearing	N	Y
Show in Transcript	Y	Y
Income	Y	Y/N
Pay Tuition While Working	N	Y

HOW COULD A CO-OP PLACEMENT BENEFIT MY FUTURE CAREER?

A Co-op helps you to:

Explore and confirm your major and career options early
Develop job search and interview skills
Develop a network of professional contacts
Get great job experience for your resume
Increase your job prospects

HOW LONG IS THE CO-OP PROGRAM?

One work term typically runs for six consecutive months through two academic semesters, either from July through December or January through June.

WHAT MAJORS ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM?

Co-op is a pilot program in the following twenty departments:

Nevertheless, our program is expanding quickly. Even if your major is not participating at this time, we are working hard on adding as many majors as possible to the program.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE CO-OP PROGRAM?

Besides having good academic standing, the following factors are also necessities：

Complete at least two semesters of full-time status or complete one full time semester as a transfer student
Obtain a signed release form from your academic advisor to participate in Co-op
Complete and pass the mandatory Co-op prep class satisfactorily

Obtain final approval from the Co-op coordinator

AM I CONSIDERED A FULL TIME STUDENT DURING THE WORK TERM?

While you are enrolled for a Co-op assignment, you are considered a full-time student. You will not be charged tuition since there is no credit associated with Co-op. However, there may be other fees and charges that you are responsible for. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for your financial aid eligibility.

WHEN SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A CO-OP?

Typically, the Co-op period runs from summer to fall or spring to summer of your junior or senior year. You need to pass the prep course prior to when your Co-op starts.

IS A PLACEMENT GUARANTEED IN THE CO-OP PROGRAM?

Your Co-op advisor will guide you through the job search process and provide support when needed. However, it is your responsibility to find and secure employment. Insufficient GPA, inflexible schedules and poor interviewing are common barriers to employment. SUNY Oswego cannot guarantee you a co-op placement.

IS CO-OP CREDIT BEARING?

Co-op is a non-credit bearing full-time paid work experience in your major. Hence, no tuition needs to be paid during the Co-op period.

HOW MUCH WILL I MAKE THROUGH THE CO-OP PROGRAM?

Compensation is set by the employer and depends on the industry, the level of the position, and local economy.

Fifteen $6,000 merit Co-op scholarships are available for qualified incoming SUNY Oswego freshman through WACE this year! Please find more information on the scholarship information page.

IS THERE A MENTOR TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS WHEN I AM IN NEED?

We require the employers to appoint a mentor and/or supervisor for our Co-op students. In addition to that, our faculty and Co-op advisor will also provide you needed assistance.

IS THERE A GRADE FOR THE CO-OP PROGRAM?

If you successfully participated in Co-op, you would receive an audit credit. Grades of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) will be assigned by your co-op adviser's recommendation and recorded in your transcript.