Graduate Cooperative Education Program

Cooperative education is a unique opportunity for graduate students to gain valuable on-the-job experience to enhance their academic training while pursuing a degree program. Professional employment allows co-op students not only to apply the knowledge they have acquired in class but also to gain a new perspective on their major fields of study. Therefore, a co-op experience is intended to be an integral part of a graduate student's academic program.

Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Cooperative Education

• Have completed at least one semester of academic work
  • International students may qualify after two academic semesters in F-1 status
• Have an approved plan of study
• Be in good academic standing, with a GPA of at least 3.0 (B average)
• Be making progress toward your degree, but not at the end of your academic program
  • International students must enroll for a minimum of one semester (at least 3 credit hours) after co-op
• Have a full-time employment offer, related to your field of study, for one academic term
• Have the approval of your academic advisor, including the completion of and signature on an Academic Advisor's Recommendation form.
• Work full-time for at least one academic term, but not more than 12 months
  • International students who accumulate 12-months of co-op (CPT) will forfeit the optional practical training (OPT) benefit.

Procedures for Participation in a Graduate Co-op Program

• Contact prospective employers and discuss the suitability of a job offer with your academic advisor
• Complete the Co-op Application and attach the following documents to the form:
  1. Academic Advisor's Recommendation form;
  2. employment offer letter stating the terms (including dates) of employment and salary;
  3. a copy of your approved plan of study; and
  4. copies of all previous I-20 forms, if you are an international student.
• Register for three credit hours in a course listed on your plan of study or research hours in your department.
• If you work beyond a 50 mile radius of Blacksburg , you may request a waiver of your comprehensive fees. Complete the Request for Waiver of Comprehensive Fees form, obtain authorization from the Graduate School Co-op office and submit the form to Student Accounts.
• The Graduate School will add Co-op to your transcript, which will designate you as a full-time student while on your Co-op assignment.

Application Deadlines

Fall or Spring Semester
Monday, one week before classes begin

Summer
Applications will be accepted until June 30. Since summer applications require approximately two weeks processing time, early submission is highly encouraged.

Note: Cooperative Education is not to be considered a form of financial aid and will not provide adequate funding to support educational costs. International students will receive a new I-20 with CPT approval.

For further information, please contact , Immigration Advisor and Graduate Co-op Coordinator (540/231-8486).