Student Co-op Program

How does co-op work?
Co-op students divide their time between collegiate study and off-campus applied study at the site of a host. Participants generally schedule the equivalent of two to five work terms. (Maximum and minimum number of terms are specified by the host employer.) Frequently the work terms are separated by or integrated with terms on campus. During each new co-op term, professional expectations are higher or there is the opportunity to experience a totally different career option. Co-ops can participate in the program across the entire calendar year.

Who is eligible?
Undergraduate and graduate-level chemistry majors who have a strong ambition to pursue a career in industrial or governmental laboratories are encouraged to investigate these opportunities. Undergraduate candidates should have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and have completed Chemistry 232 & 233 before the first off-campus assignment is made.

What are the major advantages?
Students are able to experience the practical applications of their academic work. A result is that the participant has incorporated professional experience as part of the academic program. At graduation, the co-op student is an experienced, degreed chemist with the confidence and positive self-image of a practicing professional. Frequently the money earned during the work terms can contribute significantly to paying college expenses. Students may earn college credit (up to 4 hours per semester for a total of 16 hours); these hours can apply toward graduation. Co-op hours also apply toward American Chemical Society certification.

What are the major disadvantages?
The undergraduate co-op student will require one or two additional semesters to complete all degree requirements. The sequential nature of some upper-level courses is disrupted. There may not be the opportunity to participate in some extracurricular activities or intercollegiate sports.

What are the typical project areas?

Analytical services
Technical services
Sales and marketing
Production
Quality control
Fundamental research
Research and development

Who are the employers?
Participating employers are some of the finest companies and governmental laboratories in the United States. Some employers, past and present:

Allied Signal, Des Plaines, IL
Caterpillar, Inc., Pontiac, IL
Illinois State Police Crime Labs, Springfield
Pharmacia, Kalamazoo, MI
US Department of Energy, Morgantown, WV
WITCO Corporation, Mapleton, IL
Baxter Healthcare, Round Lake, IL
Eastman Kodak, Rochester, NY
NALCO, Naperville, IL
Stepan, Northfield, IL
VALSPAR, Minneapolis, MN

Is co-op the only type of practical experience?
In addition to cooperative education, the Department of Chemistry assists its majors in obtaining other types of practical experience. These are either salaried or nonpaying and complement the academic curriculum and individual career goals. Opportunities exist with industrial and governmental laboratories, university laboratories, various governmental agencies, public interest groups, and national laboratories. These experiences give  students the opportunity to study careers in diverse areas such as research, applied chemistry, technical administration, law, graphic arts, and government.

When should application be made?
Inquiries and the application process can begin anytime but certainly by August for assignments to begin the following January and in January for assignments to begin the following May or August. Potential candidates should contact the Coordinator of the Chemistry Co-op Program to determine the exact procedures, deadlines, and policies.

Do you want additional information?
Interested students or employers should write or call

Illinois State University
Department of Chemistry
Cooperative Education Coordinator
Campus Box 4160
Normal, IL 61790-4160
(309)438-7661 or FAX: (309)438-5538

What are some typical scheduling patterns?
A variety of methods of scheduling work and school terms is possible. The following are examples of three of the most common scheduling patterns.