Cooperative education is a learning approach that integrates college studies with professional working experiences in industry, business, or government. Salaries among IIT co-op students are competitive and help defray educational expenses. Frequently the co-op experience improves employment opportunities upon graduation. The cooperative education program uses three established schedules. A minimum of three full-time work terms with the same employer is required.
Students work three consecutive full-time work terms in twelve months.
Part-time employment must involve an average of 20 hours of work per week. A minimum of six consecutive part-time work terms with the same employer is required. Students on an alternating or sandwich schedule may take up to six hours of coursework during a work term. Students on a parallel schedule may take up to twelve hours of coursework. Coursework over these limits during a work term constitute an overload and require the approval of the dean of the Undergraduate College.