Co-op Program

A cooperative education program (co-op) is an excellent way to get experience while still in school and earn money to pay for your education. At the University of Detroit Mercy you are required to work three semesters full time as an engineer. Many students work additional hours part time during class semesters.

This provides you with a meaningful resume when you graduate. You do not have to worry that all jobs advertisements may say "experience required." You will have it.

Our students earn on average $13.00 per hour (2006).  However, students can earn much more than this by working overtime. This helps pay for your education and living expenses.

Here is a typical engineering student schedule at UDM:

At other universities your summers are wasted:

Some other universities have an optional co-op program. However, because it is optional elsewhere, it does not fit the course schedule well and students there might have to go to school for five or more years to get co-op and the education.

Students Discussing Co-op (10MB, Quicktime required)