What is the difference between internships and co-ops?
Definitions for these experiences vary from university to employers. UMASS and the ISENBERG School use these terms in the following manner: • “Co-op” usually refers to a summer or summer/semester based full time work experience. UMASS and the ISENBERG school use the term CO-OP to define a work experience that is PAID HOURLY. • “Co-op” is a special, non credit bearing full time status given to students through the University so that insurance coverage continues uninterrupted and any loans do not come due. • Co-op students can register for credits during the work experience. However, certain restrictions apply. Please check with the Internship Program director for additional information. • Internship usually refers to a one time work assignment, most often in the summer, but not always. UMASS and the ISENBERG school use the term INTERNSHIP to refer to any unpaid opportunity that requires students to be registered for academic credits. • Internships are generally, but not always, part tim
