This activity emphasizes written and verbal skills and provides extensive exposure to the core curriculum in public health. Educational enrichment activities such as the Dean's Forum on Public Health Issues and the HCOP workshops are also made available to insure retention and professional development prior to graduation. Since UIC is located near thousands of businesses, industries, government agencies, health care and private organizations, UIC Cooperative Education has been able to develop strong ties with local, national, and international employers. Co-op provides a link between classroom theory and professional practice. By establishing learning objectives with Co-op employers, education goals are met through work experience.
Progress is monitored by both the employer and the student s advisor.
Academic credit may also be awarded for Co-op work experiences. The Co-op experience can start as early as the third semester of graduate study. Work assignments can be either alternate or parallel. Alternate assignments allow students to rotate between full-time semesters of work and study. Although this type of assignment typically extends the graduation process, it provides the student with a more intense and direct opportunity to know the company or organization.