About Cooperative Education at CCRI

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my current job for Cooperative Education?

The Cooperative Education program is designed to help students gain valuable experience in their field, develop contacts, build a stronger resume, and confirm career choice. The program combines 15 hours of weekly workplace experience with a seminar to prepare students before graduation to be ready for the working world.

The seminar is available as traditional class, meeting 1 hour and 40 minutes a week, or on-line. Students need to contact a CO-OP coordinator to see if they are qualified. For acceptance into the program, there is a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5, have passed College Writing or English Composition I and a required number of credits depending on your course of study. The Career Placement program offers resume and interviewing workshops, job listings and other additional resources.

Some Co-op FAQs:

What is Cooperative Education?

4 credit course offering students the opportunity to gain workplace experience related to a student's program of study.
Offered each semester as CO-OP I or CO-OP II
A student typically works 195 hours in a supervised work experience while attending a weekly class seminar
A student can earn academic credit for working part-time of full-time in a job related to their field of study
Students can use their current position if it is related to their academic program, or students can contact the CO-OP office for assistance in finding a placement.

Why Take Cooperative Education?

Students can apply on-line at www.ccri.edu/cooped or make an appointment by calling the Warwick CO-OP office at 825-2050 or the Lincoln office at 333-7254.
Review the course requirements with a CO-OP coordinator. Generally most programs require a minimum of 24 credits before CO-OP can be done. The Liberal Arts Program and some other programs may vary so consult a coordinator.
Students can review with a CO-OP coordinator if their current job would be suitable for a CO-OP placement. Other students can contact the CO-OP office to find a position which meets their learning objectives.
Register for the Cooperative Work Experience seminar using the TELUS system or Pipeline on CCRI's home page www.ccri.edu

Where are students being placed?

Depending on their field of study, students work in a variety of private, public and non-profit agencies.
The CO-OP office has placed students in numerous companies throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

Can I use my current job for Cooperative Education?

Students may seek approval to use their present job if it is related to their program of study, contact a CO-OP coordinator to see if your current job qualifies.