
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) |