Cooperative Education Program
Our goal in this program is two-fold: to provide our engineering students with the highest quality immediately applicable education possible and to help insure students have the qualifications companies want. Cooperative education (co-op) and internship programs are designed to make student success upon graduation our priority by combining practical experience with academic study.
We assist co-op students to obtain paid cooperative education/internship opportunities in all five (5) of the engineering disciplines at Lamar: Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical; and Industrial Technology.
Who is Eligible?
After completing your first year of engineering or industrial technology (typically from 30-45 semester hours), you may participate in the co-op program, which allows you to alternate semesters of college study with periods of paid on-the-job training which is related to your major. Engineering majors must have a GPA of 2.5 or better. Industrial Technology majors must have a GPA of 2.75 or better.
To Tale Part in the Cooperative Education/Internship Program, you must meet and agree to all of the following criteria:
1. You must be an undergraduate engineering student who has attained Sophomore classification. (30 semester hours)
2. Transfer students must complete one full semester of engineering at Lamar University.
4. You must maintain a minimum 2.5 overall GPA, Industrial Technology students must maintain a 2.75 GPA.
5. You must enroll and pay tuition for Career Development course any semester you are working. Speak to your advisor for more information.
6. Warning: If you have ever had a student loan, when attending any educational institution, you could fall into repayment status if you are enrolled in less than six hours. You are responsible for contacting Financial Aid for assistance in keeping within Financial Aid guidelines.
7. You must request a student fee exemption letter from the co-op office to waive your student fees.
8. You must complete the Student Evaluation form and ask your employer to complete the Employer Evaluation form (provided within the Career Development course).
9. You must turn in your report on the last class day of the semester. If you are required to make a PowerPoint presentation by your employer near the end of the co-op session, a copy of the slides will be accepted as your report, provided the employer approves.
10. You must maintain a current resume and contact information in the Co-Op office.
11. Only LU email addresses will be used by the Co-Op office. Check messages frequently.
12. Co-op jobs are obtained through an interview process. Dress during the interview is business casual, unless otherwise specified.
13. Each department will determine if any elective credit can be earned for co-op classes.
