Co-op FAQs

What is Co-op?

A co-op is a full-time, full-semester employment experience with a company in your intended professional field.
You are paid for your work.
A co-op is typically more rigorous than an internship.

What is the difference between a co-op and internship?

Internships also provide opportunities for professional work experience.
Unlike co-ops, internships may or may not be paid and may or may not be full-time work.
Art History, Horticulture, and Urban Studies are the only DAAP programs where students can pursue an internship.

How much will I be paid?

It varies depending on the field or industry. Co-op hourly wage information is available on the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies website.

How do I find a co-op?

You will take an introduction to co-op course, which provides professional development, gives you access to the online database of employers, and prepares you through mock job interviews and resume building workshops. You will also consult with your assigned co-op adviser.

You can do research to find your own approved co-op experience.

Do I pay tuition while on co-op?

No. You pay a co-op fee for that semester.

Where do DAAP students typically co-op?

DAAP students work in 37 states, 175 cities, and 22 countries.
Co-op experiences range from Fortune 500 companies and non-profits to start-ups and more.
Almost 2000 employers have chosen to work with DAAP students.

Is housing provided while on co-op?

Students are responsible for securing their own housing while on co-op.
A few companies provide living arrangements or a housing stipend if your co-op is outside of the Cincinnati area. It is typically handled by the company in the offer negotiations.
You should speak with your co-op advisor to better understand which companies are able to offer those resources.
If your co-op is in Cincinnati, you can make arrangements with UC Housing to live on campus.

Do I take classes while on co-op?

Typically, students do not take classes during their co-op semesters. We encourage you to be fully focused on and dedicated to your co-op.

When will I co-op?

You will begin co-op in your second or third year, depending on your program. Starting with your first co-op, you will alternate between academic and co-op semesters year round.

What if I have trouble?

Should you have any questions regarding DAAP's co-op program, please feel free to contact your Co-op Faculty Advisor.

How do employers become co-op partners?

If you are interested in becoming a co-op employer please visit the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. We partner with organizations across a broad spectrum from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, community non-profits, and beyond.

Student Stories

Driven by curiosity, guided by care

May 14, 2026

Max Wilson, a University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences health sciences major on the pre-physician assistant track, found his path expanding beyond the classroom and into hands-on research focused on human performance and patient care.

From Silicon Valley hackathons to full-time co-op

May 12, 2026

UC computer science student Pratyush Srivastava turns visa setbacks into opportunity, using Bay Area hackathons to land a full-time AI security co-op in San Francisco.

GE Aerospace workforce training focuses on Dayton workers

May 11, 2026

GE Aerospace is launching more employee training at its Beavercreek Plant. The Dayton Daily News talks to the company's site leader, a University of Cincinnati graduate who got his start at GE Aerospace through UC's co-op program.

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