Cooperative Education Programs
The Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program enables any qualified TCC student to:
An Introduction to Cooperative Education
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic program that enables students to earn college credits for work experiences related to their career goals. It allows students to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom in “real job” settings. Co-op provides the opportunity for students to gain practical work experience, make informed career decisions and achieve the advantage in a competitive job market.
Benefits To Students
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 and 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.
- Make better, informed career decisions.
- Gain the opportunity for post-graduation jobs.
How Do You Qualify?
Earning Cooperative Education Credits
Credits are earned for what is learned on the job. At the beginning of the semester the student and the employer develop “Measurable Learning Objectives”. The Co-op Faculty Member then approves these objectives. Letter grades are determined based on the employer’s evaluation of the student’s performance and completion of the Measurable Learning Objectives. Students must also complete a Student Evaluation Form at the end of the semester.
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Registering For Cooperative Education Credits
You may register for Co-op credits after you get approval from a Co-op staff member. Registration packets are available in the Cooperative Education Office. You may register for one to five credits per semester. One Co-op credit equal 80 hours of work during the semester.
Using Cooperative Education Credits
topIn some curriculums, Co-op is a requirement, in others it may be taken as an elective. Your Co-op Faculty Member will help determine if Co-op will enhance your academic program. Generally, Co-op credits are not transferable to a four-year institution. If you plan to transfer, check with the college or university you plan to attend.
Contact the following TCC offices for additional information on the Cooperative Education Program:
Academic Divisions - TCC Virginia Beach Campus
Engineering and Industrial Technologies Division, (757) 822-7197
Information Technologies and Business Division, (757) 822-7373
Social Sciences and Public Services Division, (757) 822-7207
Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus
1700 College Crescent
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Academic Division
Tidewater Community College – Chesapeake Campus
Marian P. Whitehurst Building, Room 2016
1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 822-5152Academic Division
Tidewater Community College - Norfolk Campus
Martin Building - Room 2617
300 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 822-1191
Academic Division
Tidewater Community CollegeBusiness, Public Service, & Technologies
Building C, Room C114
120 Campus Drive
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 822-2300
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