Cooperative education provides practical work experience with a college approved employer in an area directly related to your program of study.  It combines classroom study with employment related to a major to help you
  • apply new skills and experiences to classroom instruction.
  • use specialized equipment and facilities on the job.
  • grow in self confidence, maturity and judgment.
  • affirm that you've chosen the right major.
  • enhance your resume by gaining relevant work experience and references to include in addition to your degree for permanent employment.
Co-op students work with their employer, faculty advisor and Co-op Coordinator to develop a set of learning goals related to the student’s major.  These learning objectives will form the basis for performance evaluation and the student’s grade.

While the employer provides on-site supervision, the Co-op Coordinator and/or faculty advisor will visit the employer and observe student performance. In order to help the student bring work experiences and class work closer together, he/she is assigned various reports that must be submitted to the Co-op Coordinator and/or faculty advisor during and at the end of the semester.
Who is eligible for Co-op?
To be eligible for Co-op, students:
  • must have completed at least six semester credit hours and be currently enrolled in one of the approved Co-op curriculum areas
  • must have and maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA
  • must have declared a major and seek employment directly related to their major
  • may not be self-employed or supervised by a member of his/her family
  • must register for Co-op during the registration period to receive credit; academic credit is not granted for prior work
  • should plan to graduate from Southeastern Community College
What if you’re already working in your career field?
Students currently employed in a position in which a significant number of duties are related to their academic major may be able to receive credit for related work experience.  The employer must agree to enhance the student’s current job responsibilities in such a way that the student is acquiring significant new skills or knowledge related to the academic field of study.
For more information, contact SCC’s Co-op Coordinator, Julia Roberts, at:
910-642-7141 ext. 327
jroberts@sccnc.edu
or contact your faculty advisor.