Co-op program

The College of Engineering Cooperative Education (co-op) allows you to gain practical/hands-on work experience and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom. Many companies offer co-op opportunities on a parallel basis – meaning that you will work on a co-op worksite while you are taking classes (usually part-time at your co-op worksite and full or part-time in school). You may also choose to complete a co-op in the Spring/Summer when your course load is lighter.

Co-op eligibility:

• Sophomore standing (minimum 30 credits completed)
• A minimum overall GPA 2.5
• Accepted a co-op that aligns with your major

Registering your co-op for zero-credit:

If you've been offered a co-op opportunity by a company, you can register for the free, 0-credit co-op course (BE3500) to have your co-op experience documented on your transcript. Registering your co-op is easy and allows the university to provide additional support services and safeguards to students. Registering your co-op also ensures that your co-op experience is well documented to employers when you go to apply for your first job after graduation.

Co-op program process

1. Obtain a co-op position. (International students must get approval through OISS).
2. Secure your offer letter and detailed job description
3. Ask your co-op supervisor/mentor to complete the Supervisor/Mentor Authorization Agreement form 
4. Complete a CPT form (if a student on an F-1 visa)

Applying for the zero credit co-op course (BE 3500)

Be sure to have the following documents ready before you complete the online application: 

1. Offer/employment letter- it should be on branded company letterhead and signed by the supervisor or HR and must include their contact information.
2. Job description- outlining the specific functions and tasks you will be performing
3. Supervisor/Mentor Authorization Agreement form (with signature)
4. Completed CPT form (if a student on an F-1 visa)

• Once you have the required documents listed above,  you are ready to fill out the online application for the zero credit co-op course (BE 3500).
• Within 5 business days after submitting your request, you will be notified by WSU email if your application is approved or declined.
• If approved, the director of student services for the college of engineering will email you and the manager on record providing permission to register for BE 3500. 
• Once overrides are processed, you will register for BE 3500.

To earn a satisfactory grade:

• Once you are registered for BE 3500 you will have a tile in Canvas. You will upload all assignments into Canvas by the due date. Check Canvas for more information.
• Around the sixth week your manager will be contacted for a Teams meeting to discuss your progress.
• Satisfactory grade (S) will be posted to academic record for BE 3500 once all requirements are complete in Canvas.

 A special note for International students

International students seeking internships or full-time jobs while studying in the U.S. need to make sure they are well aware of the rules and regulations set forth by Wayne State's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) and the U.S. government.

It can be more costly for a company to hire international students due to the fees associated with sponsorship paperwork, so it is important that international students looking for an internship/work are well versed on the process.

Make sure you are familiar with your graduation requirements and deadlines as well as the U.S. hiring practices and immigration laws. The  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website can get you started.

Students on F1 visas also need to make sure they are aware of their CPT/OPT start dates and requirements in order to apply for internships/jobs with enough time to begin CPT/OPT at the start of a new semester.