While they are similar, an internship during the academic semester is typically not full-time and does not expect students to complete the same number of hours as what is expected from BSU’s co-op program. Also, students who participate in the co-op program are not expected to take classes simultaneously but instead are fully immersed in the co-op experience.  However, each student will determine what is best for their academic and career goals.

• The Co-op job must be related to the student’s major or career interests.  

• Students are expected to work in an organization for 30+ hours per week for the duration of the co-op term, with a minimum of 540 total work hours. 

• Students must be supervised by a content matter expert. 

Typically, co-op opportunities are paid experiences using standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Students are advised to consider the financial impact of an unpaid co-op, but we recognize some exceptions, specifically for non-profit organizations. If you are pursuing an unpaid co-op, you may be eligible to apply for BSU’s unpaid internship/co-op funding.  

• Please Note: The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that co-op students cannot be employed as consultants or independent contractors because they lack the necessary experience and skill to be considered experts in their fields. In addition, a co-op is to be a supervised position. This also means that the work cannot be properly termed as a consultancy or independent contractor relationship. Therefore, we cannot approve any positions in which the employer classifies you as a consultant or independent contractor. Please check with your employer at the beginning of your co-op to make sure that you will receive a W2 form (not a 1099) at the end of the year. 

Most co-ops range from 3-6 months long and start at the beginning of January, June or September. 

At BSU, our goal is to provide you with a credit-bearing co-op program (where possible), allowing you to gain meaningful experience while working towards your academic progress. It is important that you connect with your academic and faculty advisors as soon as possible to determine and ensure that you have the capacity and feasibility in your degree map to fit the co-op term.  

Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services throughout the process to verify and confirm your eligibility to participate in the co-op program.

The goal of the co-op is to provide you with meaningful experiences and to immerse you in an environment that connects academic studies to real-world applications. Doing multiple positions simultaneously may not provide you with substantial time to fully engage in the learning opportunities. Therefore, we prefer that you participate in a co-op at an organization that meets the co-op requirement. If you have a specific circumstance, please consult with your academic department and the Career Services & Internships office before you accept any positions or arrangements.  

As long as you maintain your student status (i.e. receiving credits), you are eligible to stay on campus for university housing. Please be sure to follow the guidelines outlined by the Office of Residence Life regarding eligibility and criteria for the housing process. If you wish to withdraw from housing in order to commute to your co-op from another residence, then you must consult with the Office of Residence Life and Housing to complete any required documentation in advance of the semester you plan to be on co-op.

As long as you complete the FAFSA and maintain your student status (receiving credits), you are eligible to apply for financial aid for the co-op term. Please keep in mind the amount of financial aid you receive can vary depending on if you have full time student status (12 credits or more) or part time student status (11 credits or less).

If your internship meets the co-op requirements, you can still count it as a co-op. Keep in mind that some employers will advertise opportunities as internships or even jobs. It is important to review the position carefully to ensure it meets BSU’s requirements. Before you accept any positions, please consult with the Career Services & Internships office and your academic department.  

While we strongly encourage you to explore meaningful opportunities off campus, some positions may be available on campus. If you believe an on-campus position you secured meets all requirements for the co-op program, you can certainly submit the information to your academic department for approval.  

As long as your research experiences meet the co-op requirement and you receive approval from your internship faculty coordinator, you can conduct research or pursue research experiences during the co-op term.

Since this is a new program, we do not have a previous list of co-op employers. However, the Career Services & Internships office and your academic department have an active list of available positions on our website and on Handshake. You should proactively seek opportunities from all sources to increase your chances of getting a co-op position.  

As long as the available opportunity meets BSU’s co-op requirements, you can submit the opportunity for approval.  If employers have any questions regarding the co-op program, feel free to refer them to the Career Services & Internships Co-op Advisor, Vicky Keller: VKELLER@bridgew.edu. 

If your current position meets BSU’s co-op requirements, receives an appropriate level of supervision, and your employers are willing to fill out the necessary paperwork, you may submit the opportunity to your academic department for approval.  

Unfortunately, BSU does not retroactively grant credit for past internships, jobs, or any work-related experiences.  

While we understand the value of working for your family members or supporting your family businesses, we strongly encourage you to pursue other experiences that will provide valuable learning. Ideally, you should not be supervised by a family member for your own personal and professional growth.   

If you are terminated for cause, you will not receive academic credits. If you are being laid off or terminated for reasons other than performance, please contact the Career Services & Internships office and your faculty supervisor immediately so we can develop an alternative co-op plan with you.