Start your career before you even complete your degree.
I completed my co-op with NASA, researching a drug delivery system to protect astronauts against radiation. Then, I landed a grant from the European Space Agency. A Speed School degree gets results!
Ishita Jain, Bioengineering, c/o 2018
Co-op Students can earn over $34,000 before graduation
- Go beyond classroom learning.
- Gain job skills and knowledge before graduation.
- Establish a professional network.
- Reduce debt as you complete your degree.
- Familiarize yourself with the job search process.
Leading Employers Currently Offer On-The-Job Training
How Does Co-op Work?
Co-op is mandatory for Speed School students earning their Bachelor of Science degree. One year (i.e., 3 semesters) of total participation is required between sophomore and senior years. Students receive 1 semester hour of credit for each Co-op period.
Students build relationships with employers, gradually gaining responsibility, skills, and knowledge.
To qualify:
- Declare an Engineering major
- Be admitted into a major department
- Be in good academic standing (2.25 GPA or higher)
- Take a 0-credit hour Co-op seminar, prior to the first Co-op, topics cover: job search and engineering career success
I’ve come to appreciate how complicated the factory process is. And I’ve learned that the process of manufacturing any product is a hundred times more complicated than the product itself. That’s really been humbling to learn.
Carlton Jenkins, Electrical & Computer Engineering
From automotive to consumer products to technology, there’s a Co-op for everyone:
years of students benefiting from co-op
4 Co-Op Tracks
Our most sought after Co-Op track defines the overall requirements: 3 semesters of on-the-job training between students' second and fourth years, which develops a career trajectory with a specific employer. This option provides the highest level of leadership and progressive experience resulting in in-depth engineering skills.
Focuses on research activities and courses, particularly for students aspiring to a higher level degree – M.S. or PhD. (This is an application-nomination based program.)
Provides an opportunity for students to create a self-directed Co-Op experience according to their area of study with three different employers that are primarily outside of the Louisville area. This track is designed to provide a wide range of experience and exploration.
With opportunities to study abroad, Global Engineering emphasizes 4 areas of intercultural knowledge for students: curricular, co-curricular, experiential education, and critical reflection.
Traditional Milestones for Co-Op
*Bioengineering Co-Ops follow a different schedule: Fall of Year 3, Summer of Year 4, and Spring of Year 4.
We want every Speed School graduate to find a fulfilling career. Co-Op is just the first step. Our Career Development Office is your resource for career counseling, networking, and training.