What is the difference between a co-op and an internship?
A co-op is a paid, on-going relationship between the employer, student and university. Students in the program not only gain work-world experience, but are expected to actively participate in key projects. The Co-op program is open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled at SVSU. International students are required to provide proper work authorization to work off-campus. Because of the high expectations, the co-op program has several requirements for participation, including:
1. Must have completed a minimum 24 college level credit hours from SVSU or another accredited college or university.*
2. Must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
3. Must have successfully completed a minimum 24 credit hours per school year (i.e. combined total of Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer semesters)
4. Must have at least one year of coursework remaining until graduation.
5. Must fulfill any additional requirements as set forth by the employer.
*Exception: Freshmen whose high school co-op employer has requested the student to
continue the co-op employment at SVSU are exempt from this requirement.
An internship is an experience with a definite time frame (e.g. four summer months), that can be either paid or unpaid, and can involve projects that vary in intensity based on the student’s level of experience. Unlike co-op positions, the requirements for internships vary from employer to employer and by academic background. If you wish to participate in SVSU’s internship program, you must meet certain requirements, including:
1. Must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
2. To earn credit, must receive academic departmental approval from the student’s major or minor area of study, based upon the department’s criteria.
See your academic department for further details.
3. Up to one year assignment (typically one or two semesters).
*You MUST be registered on the Cardinal Career Network to apply for the Co-op/
Internship Program. Visit Career Services in Wickes 270 for further details.
Please download the Co-op & Internship Application Packet (291kB) for instructions on how to register for the Cooperative Education / Internship Program.
