Business Professional Co-ops
Image by Jim Higgins Get Paid. Earn Credits. Launch Your Career.
The Professional Co-op Program gives you the opportunity to combine classroom learning with paid, full-time work experience related to your major. At UMass Lowell, a co-op is a structured academic program that helps you gain practical experience, strengthen your professional skills and prepare for your future career. The program is open to eligible undergraduate students in the Manning School of Business and several other participating colleges and majors.
What Is a Co-op?
A co-op is a full-time, paid work experience that typically lasts six months and is connected to your academic program. At UMass Lowell, the co-op program combines academic preparation, the work experience itself and post-co-op reflection so you can get the most from the experience. Typical co-op cycles include January through June, July through December and summer-only options; accounting students may also have a January through April option.
Why Participate in Co-op?
Through co-op, you can:
- Get paid for real, full-time professional work in your field
- Earn academic credits toward your degree at the same time
- Apply what you are learning in class to real workplace settings
- Build your resume and strengthen your career readiness
- Develop the communication, professionalism and problem-solving skills employers expect
- Walk into your job search with experience that sets you apart
How the Program Works
The Professional Co-op Program has three phases:
- Preparation: Before your co-op, you complete a required one-credit Professional Development Seminar (BUSI.2100) focused on resume writing, interviewing, networking and professional skills.
- Work Experience: You complete your co-op with an employer partner during an approved work cycle.
- Reflection and Assessment: After your co-op, you complete an assessment course that helps you reflect on your experience, present what you learned and prepare for future opportunities.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to Manning School of Business full-time undergraduate day students who have earned at least 24 credits at UMass Lowell and are in good academic standing. If you transferred, you'll need to have completed at least one semester here first. International students may also participate based on ISSO guidelines.
How to Apply
Apply through the Professional Co-op Program website and plan ahead. Seats in the required seminar are limited. You'll need to complete the seminar before you can begin your co-op experience.
Learn More
Visit the Professional Co-op Program website for full details on eligibility, timelines, coursework and advising. You can also attend a Co-op Information Session to get your questions answered before you apply.