Co-Op Application Process

The co-op application process consists of three steps and a number of substeps

1. Identify Co-Op Opportunity
2. Apply for Co-Op
3. Co-Op Experience

Step One: Identify Co-Op Opportunity

Before starting we must determine if you are eligible.  The conditions for eligibility are:

• Completed at east 1 semester in program
• In good academic standing with GPA ≥ 3.0
• If international student, have been in F-1 status for at least 9 months

Start process

Secure co-op employment offer and discuss with your academic advisor.  Together, over the course of 1-3 weeks, create or update a Plan of Study to include co-op course for appropriate term (GRAD 5944 / 7944)

Step Two: Apply for Co-Op

Allow three weeks for this step.

1. Once you have created or updated your Plan of Study, you will complete a co-op application online and upload your job offer letter.  You will need to login with VT Google credentials to access your application.
2. Over the course of 1-5 days, your advisor and/or department will review your application and make a recommendation on whether to move the application on to the next step in the process.
3. Then, if the advisor or department recommends the application move forward, over the course of 2-5 days, the Graduate School will review the application and make a decision.
4. Then, if you are an international student, over the course of 2-5 days, you will apply for CPT (What is CPT?) through the Cranwell International Center.

Step Three: Co-Op Experience

1. After co-op (and CPT) is approved, you will begin co-op employment.  The Graduate School will register you for co-op course GRAD 5944 or 7944.  Co-op employment may begin before co-op course registration is finalized.
2. Once the co-op ends, you will submit co-op evaluation to Graduate School.
3. Finally, the Graduate School assigns a grade for the completed co-op course.