Internships, cooperative education (co-ops), and research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) are all forms of experiential learning. Employers and professional/graduate programs are looking to hire and admit students that have completed experiential learning during their collegiate careers. In addition to preparing for a specific career path, having a real, day-to-day experience in the field can help you change your mind or narrow down your choices.
We encourage all undergraduate and graduate students to complete experiential learning prior to graduation to gain a better understanding of their future field and to be competitive for the transition to full-time opportunities.
When looking for experiences, please schedule a "1st Appointment: Internship/Co-op/REU" with our office to gain a better understanding of the search process. Additionally, attend the STEM Expo and check out Handshake and our other online resources.
- What is the difference between an internship and co-op?
Internship
- Generally considered part-time (15-20 hrs/wk)
- Occurs during semester with an approved employer
- Receive 1-4 credits toward upper division elective
- Cost is based on the price per credit hour or can be included in the bulk tuition (12-18 credit hours) rate.
Co-op
- Generally considered full-time (40 hrs/wk)
- Occurs during semester with an approved employer
- 0 credit hours; maintains full-time status
- Cost is $350 per semester. Additional fees may apply.
Research for Undergraduates (REU) & Other Summer Research Programs
- Research for undergraduates through its REU Sites
- REU Site consists of approx. 10 undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution
- Each student works with a specific research project
- REUs are registered as internships.
Potential Scenarios
- A student working full-time would traditionally register for a co-op. However, if the student wants credit, the student may be eligible to register the experience as an internship.
- Off-campus research is registered as a STEM Internship or STEM Cooperative Education, not as a research course, which is specific to YSU.
- What does "registering" an internship/co-op/REU mean?
Registration of an internship/co-op/REU means registering for an academic course and completing coursework alongside your experience. The experience may or may not be credit-bearing and will be shown on your academic transcript.
- Why should I register?
We always recommend trying to register experiential learning. STEM Careers, Internships & Co-ops is a great first place to discuss potentially registering your experience and receive guidance throughout the entire process if your experience has been accepted. There are several reasons to register your internship/co-op/REU:
- Get Course Credit
- With faculty advisor approval, you can receive upper division or capstone credit.
- YSU Can Help
- In the event that you need assistance, STEM Professional Services and YSU can intervene on your behalf.
- Documented on Transcripts
- Experiential learning on a transcript provides confirmation that you received a legitimate, professional experience related to your major.
- Maintain Full-time Student Status
- Show that you're still a student at YSU. Full-time status is especially important for scholarships and financial aid!
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- If you are an international student, all paid experiential learning requires registration.
- Professional Gifts
- For each experience registered with the College of STEM, you will receive a professional gift upon successful completion of the experience.
- 1st registered experience: Padfolio & Business Card Holder
- 2nd registered experience: Package of Resume Paper
- 3rd registered experience: Messenger bag
Overall, we always recommend trying to register experiential learning. STEM Careers, Internships & Co-ops is a great first place to discuss potentially registering your experience and receive guidance throughout the entire process if your experience has been accepted.
- How do I register?
Please use the Internship/Co-op/REU Forms & Assignments page for more information on how to register your internship/co-op/REU.
- I have already completed experiential learning but did not register the experience. Can I register now?
No, we do not retroactively allow students to register their experience!
- My experience is paid. Can I still get credit?
Yes! We prefer that students get paid for experiential learning. Unlike receiving credit for research, having a paid experience does not interfere with receiving credit for internships, co-ops and REUs.
- I am an international student. Am I eligible for experiential learning?
International students are eligible for experiential learning as long as the opportunity meets the requirements of both STEM Careers, Internships & Co-ops and Curricular Practical Training through the International Programs Office.
