WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP) POSITION, AN INTERNSHIP, AND SUMMER EMPLOYMENT?
• Cooperative Education provides experience-based learning for college students through paid employment in practical, curriculum-related work assignments. It acclimates students to the world of work, and gives students relevant experience in their field of interest. Co-op is recognized at NMSU as a formal academic program. • An internship offers a one-time, curriculum-related work assignment, which may be paid or unpaid. Internships generally are reserved for upper-division students, completed for academic credit, and usually last over a summer. • Summer Employment is paid work experience that may or may not be directly related to the student’s curriculum and is not integrated into the academic program.
