Participation in Co-op offers the opportunity to expand your learning beyond the classroom and can provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.  Through Co-op, you may:

• Apply new skills & experiences learned in the classroom to a realistic work situation,
• Gain academic credit,
• Earn a salary to help defray educational expenses,
• Enhance your resume, references and work experience, and
• Make better informed career decisions.

Generally, you are eligible to participate in the Co-op program if:

• You are enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a curriculum that relates to the work experience sought, and are actively pursuing completion of your degree or program of study.
• You have an overall 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or better in the semester preceding entrance to the Co-op program and continue to maintain it.
• You have completed a minimum of 15 semester credit hours at TNCC prior to entering the Co-op program  (Note: Not applicable to students in Administrative Support Technology).
• You have completed a minimum of 6 semester credit hours in your major field of study  (Note: Not applicable to students in Administrative Support Technology).
• You have the legal right to work in the United States.

Additional requirements may be necessary as indicated by the academic department and/or employer (e.g., a federal agency might require a 2.5 GPA or better).

Applying for the Co-op program requires you to:

• Meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
• Complete a Co-op application and a resume.

Most students work part-time (approximately 20 hours per week) and at the same time go to school on a full-time or part-time basis on a parallel schedule.  An alternating or modified schedule may be used to meet the needs of the student and the employer. Students who currently hold jobs related to their academic program of study may be eligible for Co-op if the work experience provides specific and measurable growth potential.

Co-op placements are competitive!

• Currently enrolled students in an identified Co-op curriculum who have completed the Co-op application and resume will be referred to an employer as openings are available.  Be prepared!  The Co-op office can assist you in preparing your resume and can give you information on interview techniques.
• Students who are selected for a Co-op work experience will be required to register for and pay tuition for a Co-op class for each semester of Co-op placement.  A Co-op work agreement is established between Thomas Nelson Community College, the Co-op student, and the employing organization.  A faculty Co-op coordinator for the work experience will be assigned based on your curriculum area.  You will be given a grade for your Co-op work experience.

Co-op opportunities are based on employer participation.  Current and developing Co-op academic programs/career fields are: