The Student and the Co-Op*

Selection and participation in UGA’s Engineering Co-op Program is considered an honor, and participating students uphold the highest professional standards as representatives of UGA, the College of Engineering and themselves. Students commit to working in a co-op program full-time for three semesters during their undergraduate tenure. Some students who participate in a co-op can still graduate at the end of four years; however, most choose to extend their studies an additional year to accommodate a co-op. 

To participate in the Co-op Program, students must:

• maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or greater throughout their undergraduate program
• complete 30 credit hours in UGA’s engineering curriculum before they start their co-op; however, they can begin the interview process in their first year
• develop, in advance, a proposed schedule for course work and co-op semesters with their academic advisers through completion of the Co-op Eligibility Form (PDF)
• register for ENGR 3910 (Co-op Work Experience) each semester that is worked with the co-op partner
• submit two evaluations completed by their supervisor each semester that is worked with the co-op partner
• submit a written report for each semester worked, documenting the experience and the lessons learned.  In addition, following the final semester of the co-op, students deliver a presentation about their experience to faculty and fellow students.

Participation in a co-op provides vital professional experience and is highly recommended. It is not a mandatory requirement of the College of Engineering. 

View Co-Op Program Frequently Asked Questions

UGA’s Engineering Co-op Partners

The benefit for participating organizations and firms in a co-op is simple: partners may “test drive” a potential, future employee at a cost-effective rate, while reaping the benefits of the participating student’s UGA College of Engineering classroom experience and newly-gained knowledge. Partners are under no obligation to hire the student after graduation; however, it is hoped that employment will be offered if conditions are warranted.  Studies indicate that students who co-op with a firm and later join on as a full-time employee are much more likely to become productive, long-term employees and expand more rapidly into leadership roles.

The responsibilities of the co-op partner are to:  
➢    provide a meaningful, educational work experience for a future engineer
➢    commit to paying the student a salary
➢    appoint a designated supervisor for the duration of the co-op arrangement
➢    offer feedback to the student mid-experience and at the end of the co-op
➢    provide input to UGA officials annually on the co-op partnership

Learn more about becoming a Co-Op Partner by viewing our Cooperative Education Employer Handbook or contacting Lauren Anglin.

The list of organizations and firms that participate in UGA’s College of Engineering Co-op Program is constantly evolving with new partners and programs. The list below highlights companies who have participated in the past: