A cooperative education student may work half time during a semester under the direction of a professional whose organization has agreed with the USF Cooperative Education Program to sponsor this paid training experience. The program also includes an alternating work plan. Under the alternating plan, students are permitted to alternate full time semesters of work with full time semesters of study. No academic credit is given. Both undergraduate and graduate students participate in the Cooperative Education Program.
Students are eligible to participate at the completion of their sophomore year.
After attending an orientation, the student can then submit an application to participate. This needs to be accomplished one semester prior to the training assignment. An appointment is then scheduled with the Cooperative Education advisor who arranges interviews with prospective employers. Practicum, internship and cooperative education opportunities are posted on the school's bulletin board in the program advisor's waiting area. Part-time employment opportunities in the communication industries are available in addition to practicum, internship and cooperative education experiences.