UNCW does not offer a formal co-op program in which a student takes some semesters of class work interspersed with semesters of work for a company in a job which uses the student's knowledge and expertise. We encourage upper level students to work part time in Computer Science related jobs, because we believe that such experience enhances classroom learning and provides the student with a sense of what working in Computer Science actually involves. The UNCW Career Services office assists students in finding part-time work, internships, and jobs after graduation. The UNCW Computer Science Department does not require students to purchase a computer, although the majority do own a computer by their junior year. Portable computers are still more expensive than equivalent desktop models.
Portable computers do have the advantage of being usable in any location.
They have a disadvantage of being much more easily stolen, misplaced or lost.