The UMass Lowell Professional Co-op Option in the Manning School of Business is available for all concentrations.

As a Manning student, your co-op experiences will add depth to your classroom studies, provide exposure to career paths and opportunities, and enable you to develop the skills needed to be successful in today's global business environment.

Students in the Manning School of Business have the opportunity to work in co-op positions at organizations that encompass all business functions across a diverse range of industries, sectors and locations. Students are encouraged to participate in at least two co-ops, three or six months in duration, exploring opportunities with UMass Lowell's employer partners, located both regionally and nationally.

Benefits of Co-op

Through co-op, a student can develop:

  • Extensive work experience
  • An informed idea of the work environment you prefer
  • Increased business insight
  • A better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses
  • A stronger, more competitive resume
  • A network of contacts in the professional world

Professional Co-op Sequence

UMass Lowell's academic calendar is comprised of two 15-week semesters (Fall & Spring), a five-week winter session and two 7.5-week summer terms. Manning students who choose to participate in the optional professional co-op program have six options as to when they participate and complete their co-op. A student chooses a co-op cycle, based on their major and goals; this will determine a student’s calendar and co-op periods.

Academic Credit

Students are able to substitute 3 credits earned through the required co-op coursework before and after their co-op experience (Professional Development Seminar and Assessment) for a course in their program of study, dependent on the length of their co-op:

Students who have completed a 6 month co-op and the required courses can substitute the credit earned for a Manning School of Business elective. Credits earned in the courses before and after a 3 month co-op can substitute for a non-Manning School of Business elective.

Tuition

Students pay tuition while they are in classes (eight semesters). No tuition is payable during co-op periods. However, students are still considered full-time and maintain their student status. Maintaining student status allows students to continue to pay housing and meal plans to live in a residence hall while on co-op, participate in student organizations, and continue to have access to all campus resources.

Maintaining student status also allows students to keep their student loans and healthcare. Students are advised to discuss the status of scholarships with the Financial Aid Office. Students do not pay academic tuition to participate in co-op; there is a modest fee to participate in the co-op work experience.

Role of the Co-op Coordinator

Students in the professional co-op program are supported by an Associate Director for Coop or a Co-op Coordinator. He/she provides education, coaching, and ongoing guidance on careers and skills necessary for success in the professional world. The co-op coordinator assists students in preparing for co-op and identifying opportunities that match their goals and interests. The Associate Director/Coordinator also teaches the required one-credit pre-co-op course, Professional Development Seminar.  This course covers several areas, including resume and interview preparation, career decision-making and professional protocols.

Co-op directors/coordinators work closely with students, not only in the classroom, but in one-on-one counseling throughout all aspects of the job search process. The co-op coordinator also works closely with employer partners in developing, enhancing and maintaining co-op positions that align with the educational goals of the college.

Manning School of Business (All Majors)
Melissa Welch, Associate Director of Co-op
Email: melissa_welch@uml.edu