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Frequently Asked Questions

For Students

The most commonly asked questions about the Science Co-op Program have been answered for you here. If you have a question that does not appear here, or if you require more information or clarification on a particular issue, please contact a Science Career and International Education Office staff member at 814.865.5000 or via email at co-op@science.psu.edu. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the program.

• Will participating in co-op extend my academic career?
• With proper planning, you can participate in the Co-op Program and still graduate in four years. However, this may require you to complete summer session courses, continuing and distance education courses, or to take courses at a commonwealth campus or college while working at your co-op assignments; it all depends on your academic situation. In many instances, participation in the Co-op Program will extend your educational career by one or two semesters, so instead of graduating in May, you might graduate in December of the same year.
  
  
• How can I fit co-op into my academic plan?
• Consult with your academic advisor and/or your co-op departmental coordinator to determine the best semesters for you to complete co-op assignments.
  
  
• Will my health insurance coverage be affected while I'm on co-op?
• Since you retain your full-time student status while on co-op, you still should be considered a dependent for health insurance coverage purposes. If an insurance carrier requires verification of your full-time student status, you can contact the Office of the Registrar to request that written notification be forwarded to the appropriate insurance company personnel.
  
  
• What arrangements are made if I'm offered co-op position after I've have paid my semester tuition and made on-campus housing arrangements?
• The Science Career and International Education Office staff can drop all of the classes from your schedule for the semester you will be completing an assignment. If tuition for a particular semester has been paid before you are offered a co-op position, a full refund will be made with no fees or charges for the late notification. You will be released from your dorm contract for the semester you are completing a co-op, but you will be obligated to adhere to the remainder of the contract when you return to campus. So, for example, if you co-op during the fall, then you will be released from the fall portion of your contract but will be obligated to reutrn to on-campus housing in the spring to fulfill the remainder of your contract. It is your responsibility to notify the Housing Office of your plans. If you have any problems regarding tuition reimbursements or dorm contract obligations, you should notify the Science Career and International Education Office.
  
  
• How do I find housing near my co-op work location?
• Many companies offering co-op work positions will provide you with information regarding housing possibilities in the area. The Science Career and International Education Office also will facilitate your search for housing by providing information about other co-op students living and working in the same area. We encourage you to explore on your own to identify housing possibilities near your work location as a practice for post-graduation relocation.
  
  
• How relevant is a co-op work experience if I'm interested in attending graduate or professional school?
• Regardless of your intended educational or career path, participation in the Co-op Program will provide an opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in a specific discipline, as well as exposure to an environment in which professional interactions and advice are available. Many co-op supervisors are instrumental in assisting co-op students to attain their future goals by providing letters of recommendation to graduate and professional school programs.
  
  
• Will I be paid at my co-op work assignment?
• You will receive an hourly salary or stipend during your co-op that is equivalent to their level of experience. Salary rates vary from company to company, as well as from region to region.
  
  
• How will having co-op experience help with obtaining a full-time position after graduation from Penn State?
• As a co-op student, you'll acquire the necessary skills and experience to excel in a variety of work environments. If you are seeking full-time employment after graduation from Penn State, you may find that your co-op experiences and contacts will open employment doors that may be closed to those who have no practical work experience related to their discipline.
  
  
• Are there any tuition fees or other fees for completing co-op work assignments?
• You must be enrolled for the appropriate co-op course for one, two, or three credits during each of your co-op semesters, including summer semesters. You only pay tuition for the number of credits you take.
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• How does participating in the Co-op Program affect my financial aid eligibility?
• The Office of Student Aid provides the following suggestions for students considering co-op:
  
  Keep informed of the student aid application process and filing deadlines. You may need to file paperwork while you are away for the upcoming academic year. Be aware of this and watch for reminders you will receive at your home address. All information regarding student aid is mailed to your home address. We recommend that you be sure your parents or others forward your mail to you at your co-op address so that you remain updated on student aid information.
  
  If you will be earning income during your co-op, those earnings may affect the amount of student aid you will have access to for the following academic year. Student aid eligibility is determined using parent(s) and student income for the most recent income tax period; therefore, your earnings while on co-op could significantly impact your student aid eligibility of the upcoming academic year. You are strongly encouraged to save money while you are on your co-op semester(s) so you have money to apply to your expenses for the upcoming enrollment period.
  
  You will not qualify for most student aid during your co-op semesters since you are enrolled less than half time. If you do enroll at least half time (6+ credits) you may qualify for student aid. You will be considered full-time for loan deferment regardless of the number of credits you take during your co-op semester.
  
  
• Can science students at non-University Park locations participate in the Co-op Program?
• Yes! Any Penn State student who meets the eligibility requirements (2.0 GPA, 30 credits completed, etc.) may participate in the Co-op Program. With web registration and on-line job postings, it's easy for students at non-UP locations to participate. All correspondence with the Science Career and International Education Office can be conducted via email or phone, so we can ensure your needs are being met. Students in science-related majors in other colleges also are eligible; contact us if you have questions about whether or not you're eligible to participate!

• What can I do if I'm not ready to co-op yet but want to start getting some career-related experience?
• If you're a first or second year science student, then you should participate in the Science Externship Program to begin building a professional network and to get ideas about various career options for science graduates.