The unique Arch Program enriches the academic portfolio with a Semester Away Experience in the Junior year. Options for away semester experiences that are registered through the CCPD include Co-ops, Paid or unpaid Internships, or Civic Engagement Experiences.
The optional cooperative education experience, commonly known as a "co-op," provides hands on experience in industry and directly relates to academic major. Co-op is open to all students, all class years, except Freshman, with at least one semester of full time academic study remaining in degree program. Co-ops are traditionally full-time, paid positions.
Usually refers to a one-term work assignment, most often in the summer, but not always. Internships can be full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, depending on the employer and the career field.
Undergraduate
| The Arch | Co-op | Internship | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Yes | No | No |
| Year Available | Junior | Sophomore Junior (Arch) Senior Transfers (after first semester) |
Sophomore Junior (Arch) Senior Transfers (after first semester) |
| When | Semester | Semester + summer | Semester, summer or both |
| Length | Can be three to eight months; student is required to work a minimum of 260 hours | Six to eight months; must be full time (at least 520 hours) | Approx. three months; minimum of 260 hours |
| Requirements | 2.0 GPA One full-time semester before graduation |
||
| Employment | Full-time or part-time (minimum of 260 hours) | Full-time or parallel (at least 520 hours) | Full- or part-time (minimum of 260 hours) |
| Compensation | Paid | Paid or unpaid | |
| Status | Full-time student (no tuition) | Full-time student (no tuition) | |
| International Student Visa Restrictions | Allowed to have a semester only internship experience. | Utilizes Curricular Practical Training (CPT) time allowed by your Visa | May apply for Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) through the International Services for Students and Scholars Office (ISSS) |
Graduate
| Co-op | Internship | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | No | No | |
| When | Semester, summer, or both | Semester, summer or both | |
| Length | three to eight months | Approx. three months | |
| Requirements | 3.2 GPA and OGE approval | 3.2 GPA and OGE approval | |
| Employment | Full-time | Full-time | |
| Compensation | Paid | Paid | |
| Status | Full-time student (no tuition) |
