Engineering Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships give undergraduate students practical work experience in their respective academic disciplines.

Cooperative Education and Internship Opportunities

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships give undergraduate students practical work experience in their respective academic disciplines. Internships are also available for graduate students. The College of Engineering collaborates with local employers to place students in part-time positions to continue their usual course load or full-time positions over semesters.

The undergraduate engineering co-op and internship program assist with general questions about specific co-op/intern listings, registration for the co-op course, and other areas. Additional services include career planning, résumé writing, interviewing techniques, and job search strategies.

UTA's Career Development Center also provides assistance to students for internship opportunities and full-time, degree-required positions in all degree levels.

How do I apply?

The Engineering Career Readiness Office regularly sends emails to ALL applicable students about open Co-op and Internship Opportunities.

What is the difference between a Co-op and an Internship?

Co-op positions are full-time positions lasting one to three semesters. Students typically don’t attend regular classes during that semester. Upon accepting a co-op position, you must register for the cooperative education course. This pass/fail class will go on your transcript as an accomplishment and maintain your full-time student status. A student and employer evaluation will be due at the end of the term. If you receive a co-op position, please contact the engineering career readiness office at engcoop@uta.edu or 242 Nedderman Hall,

Internships are part-time positions that students can work while attending class. No course enrollment or evaluations are required. There is no definite work timeframe.

What are the requirements for an undergraduate to participate in a Co-op or Internship?

To participate in an engineering co-op or internship, undergraduate students must:

  • Have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours
  • Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or better
  • Have completed all prerequisite requirements if you are a transfer student

Where to find opportunities?

The Career Readiness office regularly sends out positions to qualified students via email. Students will be able to review positions and respond accordingly.

  • Make sure you are registered in our university wide job posting system Handshake, joinhandshake.com
  • Attend hiring events like Career Fairs, Information Sessions and Employer Spotlight Tabling events to visit with employers about open positions.
  • Attend and join your relevant student organizations for presentations sponsored by employers looking to hire.
  • Apply online yourself to job posting websites.

The Job Search

We encourage students approaching graduation to complete the canvas course, The Job Search.

Graduate Students

The Lockheed Martin Career Development Center offers assistance to graduate students for internship positions and job search, résumé and interviewing skills. The College’s Co-op/Internship office offers back-up assistance.

Additional methods for graduate students to investigate internship and part-time work experiences include:

  • Handshake 
  • Faculty: Some faculty members receive direct contact from companies about job openings.
  • Professional Student Organizations: Some companies contact engineering student organizations when they are seeking specific student populations and interest areas.
  • Engineering Career Fairs: A variety of companies attend spring and fall events to recruit for full-time, co-op and internship positions.

Employers

Employer Job Listing Form

The Engineering Cooperative Education/Internship Program helps undergraduate and masters-level students gain practical work experience in conjunction with their academic work.

These experiences have proven to be exceptionally effective in bringing together future employees and companies in a way that is beneficial to all parties. Companies gain well-educated, relatively short-term employees with the latest knowledge and training. Students gain first-hand experience and a preview of the work-world that they will be entering.

Contact the Co-op/Intern Office at engcoop@uta.edu or 817-272-2569 for assistance.

On-campus interviews with potential employees can be arranged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the program available to graduate students?

Cooperative Education for graduate students is processed by departmental advisors.  

How is the program structured?

Cooperative Education allows students to maintain school enrollment while working full or part-time. Class registration is required. Internships may be part-time during the school year or full-time in the summer and do not require class registration.

How do I qualify for the program?

To qualify for the co-op program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be admitted to the University of Texas at Arlington under regular admission procedures as an undergraduate student.
  • Must have completed 30 semester hours or more towards the degree.
  • Transfer students must also have completed all prerequisite requirements before applying.
  • Must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or better.
  • International students must have been full time for at least two semesters.
  • Undergraduate international students must be enrolled in a tuition-bearing course.

How do I apply?

Visit the Student Information section for complete instructions.

What happens next?

  • COE Career Services informs students via email about open positions and how to apply. Students should also register in the University's online job posting system.
  • Employers contact students that they wish to interview.
  • Students notify the COE Career Services once a position is accepted.
  • Registration in the Co-op class will be required for Co-op positions. Evaluations (pass/fail) will be submitted. The grade is based on the employer's evaluation of your performance during the training assignment, your evaluation of the co-op tour, and the work report. All documents must be turned in by the deadline date.
  • Internships do not require evaluations.

Will the co-op course show on my transcript?

Yes, the course and grade will show up as an accomplishment on your transcript.

Will a Co-op affect my financial aid or scholarships?

Possibly. Speak with someone in the Financial Aid Office to determine the impact of a Co-op position on your financial aid and/or scholarship.

Can international students participate in the co-op program?

Yes, Co-op is considered co-curricular training. If you have questions or are unsure of your eligibility for a Co-op, please visit the International Office website. International students may register to receive positions by enrolling at the Co-op/Internship Office, 242 NH, and in the campus online job posting system. Once hired, you must report to 242 NH for assistance. The International Office must verify eligibility and grant clearance for all international students who wish to participate.

Will doing a Co-op delay my graduation?

Possibly, but it depends on your academic calendar. While it may add an additional semester or two for some, for others it will not have any impact on their graduation date. Remember that sometimes it’s better to extend your graduation date by a semester or two and have Co-op experience on your resume!

Are all co-op position paid? How much will I make?

All co-op positions are paid; the individual employers determine the rates. The wages for engineering co-ops normally vary from $15 to $20 per hour.

How much time will I be working each semester?

That depends on whether the employer has designated the Co-op assignment as full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (less than 30 hours per week).

What companies participate in the co-op program?

The Co-op /Internship Office works with a variety of companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. The employers vary depending on economic trends and the needs of the employers.

What if the company that I want to Co-op with doesn’t currently participate in the co-op program?

If you know of a company where you would like to work, you can initiate the contact with them to discuss your participation as a Co-op student. As long as the training is related to your major and the employer meets the College of Engineering’s Cooperative Education employer criteria, we will follow up to establish a partnership so you can get the experience with the company of your choice.

When is the best time to apply for the Co-op program?

As a general rule, the beginning of a semester is the best time to apply for positions that will begin the following semester. Some of the larger companies with more structured hiring programs vary in application deadlines, so it is best to visit the company website for specific details. Also, many smaller companies also seek co-ops and interns on an as-needed basis, so you may be able to apply and secure a position at the last minute each semester.

Am I guaranteed a position?

No. Obtaining a position will depend on the number of positions available vs. the number of students competing for them. However, there are three things that you can do to increase your chances of gaining a position: apply for more than one position, have a “polished” resume, and practice your interview skills.

What if I still need more information about the Co-op program?

Stop by COE Career Services in 242 Nedderman Hall, call 817-272-2569, or email engcoop@uta.edu.