Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education, or Co-op Education, is a course option that allows students to earn academic credit for work experience in their program of study.

Visit the links to find out more about a co-op course in your major and the pre-registration process. Send an email to co-op with any questions you might have.

Employers: visit the employer guide for more information.

Co-op Student Guide

This guide is designed to assist you with the transition from the academic environment of the CSM campus to the employment environment of your worksite. This guide is targeted at students who are currently registered for Cooperative Education (Co-op Education) in their respective program of study.

View the Co-op Education Student Guide

 

Co-op Education Course List

When planning your class schedule for the semester in which you are taking a co-op course, register for your other courses at the earliest opportunity. The co-op pre-registration process takes time. Co-op courses are scheduled on a flexible schedule and may impact your other course choices and schedule (please refer to the co-op checklist for the course you are interested in). Students who wait for co-op approval before they register for all other classes could jeopardize available time slots and locations in those other classes. Co-op approval could take up to eight weeks so make sure you submit your intake form at least eight weeks before the semester you plan to take the course.

Choose a co-op course below to view the pre-registration checklist:

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites:
    • ACC 2910 - ACC 2020, ENG 1010 plus 6 additional credits toward degree or certificate
    • ACC 2920 – ACC 2910
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of accounting, I will meet with an advisor at any campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process, I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience that involves accounting duties, I will contact the advisor and collect the information needed for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the Director of Advising, who will contact me with any questions or seek approval from the instructor for me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the Director of Advising for a status update on my request. Once the Director has received approval from the instructor, he/she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Director notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins, I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative
    and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites, which are:
    • BAD 1910: ENG 1010, ECN 1015, plus 9 additional credits toward degree or certificate
    • BAD 2910: BAD 1210 or 2610 or 2700 plus ENG 1010 plus 18 additional credits
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in a business environment, I have made an appointment with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process I will keep in contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience in a business environment, I will contact the advisor and submit information needed for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the
    advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for
    the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information
    for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via
    email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course
    instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative  and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisite: ENG 1010, COM 1010, plus ENG 2050 or COM 2300 or COM 1650
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of communications, I will meet with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience involving communications skills/duties, I will contact the advisor and collect the information needed for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received an email from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • By registering for the course, students agree to the following CNT co-op project requirements:
    1. Write a project proposal
    2. Document 300 hours working on project (Time spent includes: completing the project and writing weekly status reports and a final report)
    3. Possible evaluation from a supervisor.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites, which are:
    • CNT 2915: CNT 1010 or CNT 1020
    • CNT 2925: CNT 2915
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of construction, I will meet with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity.
  • During my search process I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. I will also consult with my CNT instructors for possible leads and job search advice.
  • The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience involving construction management duties, I will contact the advisor who will assist in collecting the information needed for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I haveany questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites, which are:
    • CJS 2910: ENG 1010, CJS 2010, CJS 2030 plus 12 credits toward degree or certificate
    • CJS 2920: CJS 2910
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of criminal justice, I will meet with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. I will also consult with CJS program coordinator, who have contacts in this field. During my search process I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience involving criminal justice duties, I will contact the advisor and submit information about this opportunity for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I haveany questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites, which are:
    • EDU 1910: EDU 1012, 1013, 1030, 1040, ENG 1010 plus co-requisites of EDU 1051 and EDU 1070
    • EDU 2910: EDU 1910, COM 1350, EDU 1080 plus co-requisite of EDU 2610
  • I am currently working or volunteering in the area of early childhood. Note: Early Childhood Cooperative Education has specific requirements for the approved site. Students must be volunteering or employed in a licensed child care center in Southern Maryland (Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s Counties). The student must provide three years of MSDE OCC inspection reports. I will read the Early Childhood Cooperative Education information on the link listed above and will consult with the site director on required information.
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of early childhood, I will meet with the Cooperative Education Advisor at my campus to review my resume, start the search for a job, or volunteer activity, AT LEAST EIGHT (8) WEEKS prior to the start of the semester. During my search process I will keep in contact with the Cooperative Education Advisor to update them on my progress using the following email address: coopadvisor@csmd.edu. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site. Note: Early Childhood Cooperative Education has specific requirements for the approved site. Students must be volunteering or employed in a licensed child care center in Southern Maryland (Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s Counties). The student must provide three years of MSDE OCC inspection reports. I will read the Early Childhood Cooperative Education information on the link listed above and will consult with the site director on required information.
  • Once I have identified a work or volunteer site that involves early childhood development duties, I will inform the Cooperative Education Advisor and request all pertinent paperwork needed for the Early Childhood Development Program Coordinator to review.
  • This paperwork includes three years of MSDE OCC inspection reports as well as other required documents. The advisor will forward the paperwork to the Early Childhood Developmet Program Coordinator, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the Cooperative Education Advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the Early Childhood Development Program Coordinator, they will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I will receive an e-mail from the Cooperative Education Advisor notifying me of the contact information for the instructor, as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign, and return via fax or e-mail to the Cooperative Education Advisor.
  • When the semester begins, I will start the course per the directions stated in the e-mail. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the Early Childhood Development Program Coordinator.
  • I will schedule a meeting with the Cooperative Education Advisor and the Early Childhood Development Program Coordinator 2 to 4 weeks before the start of the semester. I will bring the contract, signed by my director, to this meeting.
  • I understand that if I do not complete the above requirements in a timely manner, I may have to wait an additional semester before being able to register for EDU 1910 or EDU 2910.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites: ENG 1010, ENG 2050 and ITS 1015, MTH 1120 or higher, plus 12 additional credits in EGT, ELT, MFT, or DFT
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of engineering technology, I will meet with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified a work or volunteer site involving engineering technology duties, I will contact the advisor and submit job information needed for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return in the envelope provided by the advisor
  • When the semester begins, I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites:
    • ART 1330: 18 credits in a certificate program
    • ART 1340: ART 1330
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of computer art or digital imaging or graphic design, I will meet with an advisor at any campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. I will also assemble a portfolio or work samples to share in future interviews. During my search process I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search, but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience that involves graphic design or digital imaging duties, I will contact the Director and submit a job description for the instructor to review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the Director for a status update on my request. Once
    the Director has received approval from the instructor, he/she will assist me with
    registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information
    for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via
    email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter.
    If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course
    instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites: Completion of 30 credits toward an associate's degree; or proof of 2-year or 4-year degree; and permission of chair - Must be completed prior to taking this course
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of human services, I will meet with an advisor to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process, I will maintain contact with the pathway advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search, but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Alternatively, I have the option to take HMS-2211 to satisfy this requirement. If I choose this option, it will be identified on the Coop Intake Form.
  • Once I have identified an experience involving human services or related services, I will contact the advisor and collect the information needed for the instructor’s review and provide it to the advisor. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, he/she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received an email from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins, I will start the course per the directions stated in the email. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites: 15 credits (including at least 12 ITS credits) toward a degree or certificate.
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of information technology, I will meet with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process I will keep in contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience involving information services duties, I will contact the advisor and collect the information needed for the instructor to review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites: []
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of political science or government, I will meet with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience involving politics or government service, I will contact the advisor and collect the information needed for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Student Pre-Registration Checklist

  • I have visited the cooperative education website www.csmd.edu/cooperative and completed the co-op intake form available on that link.
  • I currently have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • I meet (or am in the process of completing) the co-op course prerequisites: []
  • If I am not currently working or volunteering in the area of sociology, I will meet with an advisor at my campus to review my resume and start the search for a job or volunteer activity. During my search process I will maintain contact with the advisor to update him/her on my progress. The advisor will assist me in the search but I am responsible for locating a work/volunteer site.
  • Once I have identified an experience involving sociolog or related services, I will contact the advisor and collect the information needed for the instructor’s review. The advisor will forward the information to the instructor, who will contact me with any questions or approve me for the course.
  • I will keep in touch weekly with the advisor for a status update on my request. Once the advisor has received approval from the instructor, she will assist me with registration for the course.
  • I have received a letter from the Advising office notifying me of the contact information for the instructor as well as a liability release form that I will review, sign and return via email or fax.
  • When the semester begins I will start the course per the directions stated in the letter. If I have any questions about the course, once I have registered, I will contact the course instructor.

Co-op Intake Form

After reviewing the pre-registration checklist, your next step is completing the co-op intake form. For most co-op courses, you must have identified and secured a site. Submitting a co-op intake form does not obligate you to take the course. It simply lets the advisor know that you are interested in finding out more about co-op. The sooner you get started the better. If you have not identified a co-op site, please wait to complete the intake form. 

Complete the Co-op Intake Form

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