Cooperative Education
Ken Bursaw, Cooperative Education Coordinator
952-487-7041, ken.bursaw@normandale.edu
What is Cooperative Education?
Cooperative Education, a type of internship, is a way in which you can integrate your classroom studies with a planned, supervised, practical work experience. Cooperative Education gives you a way to explore a possible career before you invest considerable time and money in preparing for it.
Can I earn college credit for what I learn from my Cooperative Education experience?
You can earn from 3 to 8 college credits, based on the number of hours that you work. For example, for 113 hours, you would earn 3 college credits. For 300 hours, you would earn the maximum of 8 college credits. Of course, you will also be expected to complete related assignments, usually documenting and reporting on your experience, and meet with your supervising faculty member.
In which academic areas can I earn college credit for my Cooperative Education experience?
You can earn credits in the disciplines of Art, Business, Education, Communication, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology.
Where can I use the credits I've earned through Cooperative Education?
You can apply credits toward several Normandale two-year degrees and certificates, and to several four-year degrees at area colleges and universities which utilize credit from Cooperative Education.
Does Normandale choose the place where I will work, when I do my Cooperative Education internship?
You may be allowed to locate your own placement, or you may want to have the help of the Cooperative Education/Student Employment Office. You will need to interview with the prospective agency before accepting the position to allow you and the agency to determine, together, if the placement is appropriate.
May I do a Cooperative Education internship with my current employer?
It is possible, but the placement must involve new duties and experiences that produce new learning. The program does not grant credit simply because you are going to work, but because you have learned through your work experience.
Is it possible to get a Cooperative Education experience in which I would be paid a salary or stipend?
Sometimes that is also possible, but not always. The primary purpose is to provide you with an experience in your field of interest. Additional income would be considered a secondary benefit. For example, some non-profit agencies may be able to provide a wonderful experience working with people in need, but may not have funds to pay you. However, the experience you gain has value beyond a salary.
What are the benefits?
You gain experience which helps you to make a career decision. Because of Cooperative Education, you may find out, early in your education, that a particular career is not right for you. On the other hand, you may be able to confirm that your career decision is indeed the right one, and become even more motivated to achieve your goals. The professional experience that you gain will deserve a place on your resume, too, and may assist you in obtaining future employment.
What are the costs?
Standard per-credit fees apply to credits taken through Cooperative Education. Check the Normandale class schedule for current rates. As you compare colleges, you'll find that Normandale is truly a best value in higher education in the State of Minnesota.
If Cooperative Education is right for me, how would I get started?
After you have selected your placement work site, you register for your Cooperative Education Project in the same way that you register for any other class, except that you must first secure a registration permit from Ken Bursaw, Cooperative Education Coordinator, 952-487-7041, or e-mail ken.bursaw@normandale.edu. Of course, if you've never attended Normandale before, also ask about receiving an application for admission.
