Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (co-op) programs offer numerous benefits for students looking to gain real-world experience before they graduate. In addition to gaining anywhere from 12-22 months of practical experience prior to graduation, students can also earn a significant and competitive salary while on their co-op sessions. Unlike many other co-op programs around the nation, the co-op programs at Purdue typically involve students completing 3-5 work sessions with the same employer which allows students to gain a long relationship with their employer, work on more projects, and take on increasingly responsible roles in their work sessions. Students that complete a Purdue co-op program are highly sought after they graduate and are distinguished from other recent graduates.

Process Once a Co-op Offer is Secured

1. Once you accept a co-op offer, submit a copy of your offer letter to coop-me@ecn.purdue.edu.
2. Sign and submit the ME Co-op Program Rules (PDF) to coop-me@ecn.purdue.edu.
3. Enroll in the appropriate co-op course. ME 29199 is the first course of the sequence.
4. Complete and submit ME Co-op Checklist (Fillable PDF).

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

Purdue Professional Practice Program

Students who participate in the Professional Practice Program should follow guidelines set by the Office of Professional Practice. There are sample work/study schedules and examples of ME plans of study for you to utilize throughout this process.

International Students

• F-1 Visa Student Information
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Process

Co-op Process Documents for Students

• ME Co-op Checklist (Fillable PDF)
• ME Co-op Program Rules (PDF)
• ME Co-op Employer Transition (PDF)
• ME Co-op Termination (PDF)

If you have questions regarding the ME co-op process, please contact Julia King or Stephanie Winder.