Co-op Program
The Widener Co-op Program is a great way for eligible students to gain valuable work experience prior to graduation.
What is Co-op (Cooperative Education)?
The co-op program provides students with a combination of classroom study and work experience. Widener offers a rare approach to co-op: 12 months of work experience while still graduating in four years.
You will gain valuable insight to your potential career field, learn new skills and expand your professional network. The co-op program has provided services to students and employers for over 30 years and has built an excellent reputation with many top regional companies.
Who is Co-op for?
The program is available to students in the School of Business Administration and School of Engineering, as well as Computer Science and Computer Information Systems.
How do I register for Co-op?
Registration occurs almost a year prior to your co-op experience. This provides ample time to participate in required professional development to help you secure a choice position.
- To participate in the Fall semester, you need to register online before the end of the Fall semester, the year prior to participation.
- To participate in the Spring semester, you need to register online by April 1st the year prior to participation.
Registering is required to participate in the co-op program. Registering does not commit you to the program, but allows you to gain more information about the co-op process.
Register now for the Widener Co-op Program
If the link above does not work for you or to learn more about the program, e-mail Laura Bickert Ciarlello at llbickert@widener.edu.
Current Co-op Students
Newly registered students
Below are important documents that you must read through if you are registered for co-op:
- Checklist of Tasks to Be Completed [pdf]
- Co-op Handbook [pdf]
Students who have attended co-op orientation.
- Fall 2013 prospective co-op students must commit in writing to your co-op advisor by January 22, 2012.
- Spring 2014 prospective co-op students must commit in writing to your co-op advisor by April 22, 2013.
Students who attended co-op orientation AND have committed to the program.
- Attend interview workshop. Submit revised and updated resume to co-op advisor.
- Participate in Mock Interview Day.
- Schedule and meet with your co-op advisor for a one-on-one meeting.
- Abide by and complete all university policies and paperwork by deadlines for housing, financial aid, and course registration.
Co-op Calendar/Scheduling Options
Students may select any of the following co-op schedules or may create their own schedule with approval from the co-op program and their academic advisor.
Sample 12-Month Experience Option
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | Class | Class | |
| Sophomore | Class | Work | Class |
| Junior | Class | Class | Work |
| Senior | Work | Class | Class |
Sample 8-Month Experience Option #1
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | Class | Class | |
| Sophomore | Class | Class | |
| Junior | Class | Class | Work |
| Senior | Work | Class | Class |
Sample 8-Month Experience Option #2
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | Class | Class | |
| Sophomore | Class | Work | Class |
| Junior | Class | Work | Class |
| Senior | Class | Class | Class |
Sample 4-Month Experience
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | Class | Class | |
| Sophomore | Class | Work | Class |
| Junior | Class | Class | |
| Senior | Class | Class |
