Chemical Engineering Cooperative Education Program

The Co-Op programs offer many benefits for students looking to gain valuable professional experience before they graduate. Students participating in the Co-Op program gain 12-20 months of paid relevant industrial experience by graduation. Co-Op students typically alternate semesters of on-campus academic study with sessions of work with an approved industry partner. The Co-Op program is a transcript-recorded experience and the students maintain full-time student status while on a work rotation with their Co-Op company. By fulfilling all requirements of the ChE Co-Op Program, participating students will receive an academic certificate to accompany their Chemical Engineering degree. 

Check the available Chemical Engineering Co-Op Programs, including eligibility criteria and program requirements

Current Chemical Engineering Co-Op Employers

Student Profiles

• Murat Agca - Kimberly Clark Co-Op
• Izoduwa Aimiuwu - Lubrizol Co-Op
• Maddie Barondeau - Kimberly Clark Co-Op
• Mikey Klemann - Sun Chemical Co-Op
• Richael Zhang - Lubrizol Co-Op

Students Answering Questions

• Jen Porcaro and Ashley Chuang
• Quinn Sandquist and Jeremy Sapp

Program Information

• Purdue University Office of Professional Practice Website
• How to Apply for Co-Op
• Available Programs in Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering Co-Op Employers
  • Purdue students have conducted co-ops with hundreds of companies. Here is a list of employers that have recently hired Purdue ChE Co-Op students.
• Co-Op Median Hourly Wages

Student Information, Procedures and Forms

• Chemical Engineering Co-Op Policy Statements
• Chemical Engineering Co-Op Student Responsibilities
• Co-Op Database Login
• Co-Op Impact on Financial Aid/Scholarships

   Process Once a Co-op Offer is Secured

1. Co-Op offer letters can be secured by participating in Purdue sponsored career fairs, or through your own efforts. Once you accept a co-op offer from an employer, submit a copy of your offer letter to the ChE Co-Op Coordinator at nagyg@purdue.edu
2. Revise your Plan of Study to reflect the Co-Op experience
3. Sign and submit the Job Acceptance Form and a copy of your revised Plan of Study to your academic advisor and to the ChE Co-Op Coordinator
   • Note: If you are a FYE student, submit these documents to chemeundergrad@purdue.edu and to the ChE Co-Op Coordinator
4. Complete and submit the ChE Co-Op Student Responsibilities Form to the ChE Co-Op Coordinator
5. Attend the ChE Co-Op Orientation Session organized during the last week of classes (typically spring semester)
6. Enroll in the appropriate ChE specific Co-Op experiential course

    Note: If you are an international student, review the F-1 Visa Student Information and complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Process

   Information for International Students

• International Students Participation in the Co-Op Program
• F-1 Visa Student Information
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Certification - Step-by-Step Process

   Important Forms for ChE Co-Op Students

• Job Acceptance Form
• Co-Op Student Responsibilities Form
• Flex Co-Op Employer Transition Form
• Change in Work Schedule Request Form
• Co-Op Termination Form

Program Administration

• David Corti, Faculty Co-Op Coordinator
• Sandy Hendryx, Co-Op Senior Administrative Assistant
• Gabriela Nagy, Co-Op Coordinator

Academic Advising Team:

• Michelle Metcalf
• Karissa Raderstorf
• Allen Reigel

If you have questions about the ChE Co-Op program, please contact Dr. Gabriela Nagy