Beyond the Classroom

Justin Fritch with Baja buggy

Students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science can gain highly impactful work experience before graduating from the University of Evansville, thanks to the cooperative education program.

Cooperative Education (Co-Op)

Mechanical Engineering lab projectMechanical engineering majors are encouraged to participate in the cooperative education (co-op) program. Through the co-op, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering (BSME) degree in five years while completing a minimum of three additional semesters of experience as a mechanical engineer. About 20 percent of mechanical engineering students participate in the co-op program.

Students will benefit in several ways through the co-op program. Most importantly, it provides valuable experience for a future career. Employers have an opportunity to hire students as prospective employees, and students can gain experience and weigh their options before entering the workforce.

Co-op students typically receive a higher salary offer upon graduation compared to those not in the co-op program. Graduates are also frequently offered long-term employment opportunities.

The table below shows the calendar for a typical student in the co-op program. After two years of regular classes, the student begins their co-op period and works through the summer. Their junior year will be split between a semester of classes and a semester of work. Afterward, semesters will rotate between classes and work, leading up to graduation.

合作社的日历
一年 秋天 春天 夏天
1 学校1 学校2 工作的选择
2 学校3 学校4 工作1
3 学校5 工作2 School/工作的选择
4 工作3 学校6 工作4
5 学校7 学校8

Baja Buggy projectCo-op students can choose from a wide range of employers within the Evansville area and throughout the tri-state region (Indiana, 肯塔基州, 和伊利诺斯州). Students may also complete the co-op program with an employer closer to home. Previous employers include:

  • George Koch Sons, LLC.
  • 利盟
  • Wright-Patterson AFB
  • NWSC起重机
  • 通用电气(General Electric)
  • 加拿大铝业锭
  • GE Aircraft Engines
  • 美国铝业
  • Patriot Engineering
  • 丰田
  • 波音公司
  • Cinergy
  • Kimball 国际
  • 起重机
  • Electronics Research Inc.
  • Vectren Energy Delivery
  • Fermi National Accelerator Lab
  • 惠而浦
  • Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems
  • 联合太平洋铁路
  • 路易斯维尔的气体 & 电力公司
  • Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles

For more information about the University's Cooperative Education Program, please visit the University of Evansville Center for Career Development.