When you picture life after college, you probably imagine jumping into your dream job, not scrambling to get “real-world experience” for the first time.
At the University of Cincinnati, that experience begins long before graduation day — through paid co-ops (UC’s form of paid career experience), internships, research and other hands-on learning opportunities.
UC makes sure every student graduates with more than just a degree — you leave with a college resume that already proves your career readiness.
Your career is next
Through one of the nation’s most robust, top-ranked co-op programs, UC students don’t just learn about their future — they live it, alternating classroom study with real, career-shaping experience in industries around the world.
What is experiential learning (and why UC requires it)
Co-ops and experiential learning offer a hands-on approach to education, allowing students to apply what they learn in the classroom through real-world experiences such as internships, research and service.
“All of our students, as undergrads, have to engage in some kind of experiential learning,” said Michelle Clare, Dean of the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies.
At UC, we value experiential learning so highly, we’ve built it into every degree program.
UC pioneered cooperative education (co-op) in 1906, becoming the first university to integrate full-time, paid work experiences into the academic curriculum.
Today, UC’s co-op program is one of the largest and most respected in the nation, connecting thousands of students each year with paid, career-focused opportunities across industries.
Here’s what that means for you:
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Guaranteed experience: Every UC student completes experiential learning as part of their general education.
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Proven leadership: UC has long been a national pioneer in cooperative education.
- Paid opportunities: Co-ops are paid, so you gain career skills while earning income.
- Affordable impact: Paid positions make education more accessible and help students support themselves.
What’s the difference between co-op and experiential learning at UC?
At UC, co-op is our signature form of experiential learning — paid, real-world experience built right into your degree. But experiential learning is a broader term that also includes internships, research, service and more.
Why real-world experience gives you a career edge
When it comes time to apply for jobs or graduate programs, real-world experience sets you apart.
Employers are looking for candidates who can apply what they’ve learned, solve problems in professional settings and contribute on day one.
Through UC’s co-ops, internships and research, students build career skills employers consistently value, such as:
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Communication skills – presenting ideas clearly in meetings, emails, and projects
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Teamwork and collaboration – working with diverse colleagues and clients
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Problem-solving and critical thinking – applying classroom knowledge to real challenges
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Professionalism and time management – balancing responsibilities and deadlines in a workplace setting
Read: Career planning for college students: Year-by-year guide
The UC Advantage: Paid co-ops and real-world work
Unlike many schools that count exclusively on unpaid internships, UC emphasizes paid career experiences.
In the 2024–25 academic year alone, 8,395 students completed co-ops, working with over 1,750 employers and earning a collective $94 million. That’s on average, $11,220 per student per semester.
These co-ops do more than build your resume. They help you pay for school, reduce debt and graduate with both professional momentum and financial peace of mind.
Learn more: How to prepare, practice and stand out in your next internship or co-op interview with these 7 internship interview tips
Faculty support and expanding opportunities
UC’s faculty quickly saw how experiential learning doesn’t just prepare students for jobs — it also makes academic learning stronger.
Dean Michelle Clare explains that applying knowledge in real-world settings actually deepens student learning outcomes.
That shift has opened new doors across campus. In the social sciences, humanities and arts, where co-ops weren’t common, students now have clear pathways to hands-on opportunities.
No matter what you study at UC, you’ll find ways to connect your coursework to real-world experience.
Top questions students ask about co-op programs
UC’s Career Studio and CCPS coordinators connect you with employers, guide your search and help polish your application materials.
Nope. UC builds co-ops into your academic plan so you can graduate on time and with experience.
Yes! UC co-ops are paid positions — students earn an average of $11,220 per semester while gaining career skills.
Nearly every field has options, from engineering and business to psychology, arts and healthcare.
UC students work with more than 1,700 employers worldwide, giving you opportunities in Cincinnati, across the U.S., and even abroad.
Experience is part of every Bearcat’s journey
At the University of Cincinnati, experiential learning isn’t just encouraged. It’s the Bearcat Promise, woven into every degree.
From paid co-ops and internships to research and service opportunities, UC makes sure you graduate with the skills, confidence and real-world experience employers value most.
Ready to start building your future while you’re still in college? Explore UC’s co-op and experiential learning opportunities today.