Co-Op, Experiential Learning, Career Education

Since the University of Cincinnati began the first Cooperative Education program in 1906, UC has provided experiential learning programs to equip students with real-world experience before graduation. The College of Arts & Sciences remains committed to this educational approach today, ensuring you have access to internship, service learning, study abroad and research opportunities that broaden your education beyond the classroom. 

Through this real-world, applicable experience, you will develop and amplify the skills employers are looking for, whether you're working in an office or working in the field. You'll build professional networks in Cincinnati, which is home to nine Fortune 500 companies—including P&G, Western & Southern Financial Group, The Kroger Co. and more—and countless startups and nonprofits.

Each year, A&S students have access to hundreds of employers seeking to hire interns and research assistants. Our real-world opportunities are nearly as varied as our students, but each one richly benefits the student, faculty and organizations that choose to get involved.

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences can participate in co-op, gaining paid, career-oriented work experience that’s integrated into their undergraduate education. Through co-op, you'll develop transferable skills, explore career paths, build a professional network with industry mentors, and gain a competitive edge after graduation. A&S students have the option to join the co-op program in their second year or later. Many majors currently have co-op tracks. For more information, visit the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Services co-op page. 

Internships within A&S provides an opportunity to gain real-life experience related to your academic major, build your resume and earn credit towards your degree at the same time. Internships can be full time or part time, and may occur while you are still enrolled in other classes. The number of credits and compensation earned varies with the department and position. Over 15 courses within A&S also offer departmental internship credit. For earning internship credit or get assistance finding an internship, contact your departments internship coordinator. 

A&S fosters a dynamic research environment for both undergraduate and graduate students across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Undergraduates are encouraged to engage in hands-on research alongside internationally recognized faculty, exploring topics as diverse as quantum field theory, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and ecological fieldwork. These opportunities are integrated into many academic programs, allowing students to earn credit while contributing to meaningful scholarly work. Graduate students benefit from UC’s designation as a Carnegie Research I institution, gaining access to advanced facilities and a collaborative academic community that supports original research and professional development. This commitment to inquiry and innovation prepares students at all levels to make impactful contributions in their fields.

Service-Learning in A&S is a specially designed learning experience in which students combine reflection with structured participation in community-based projects to achieve specified learning outcomes as part of an academic course and/or program requirement. The Service-Learning Program in the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies supports and encourages service-learning initiatives across the university by connecting staff and faculty to community partners. Similarly, community partners collaborate with the Service-Learning Program to identify opportunities to partner with staff, faculty, and students to develop service-learning courses and experiences.

Career development is woven into every undergraduate experience through the university-wide Bearcat Promise. This initiative ensures that all students graduate not only with a degree, but also with a clear, personalized plan for life after college. From the first year onward, students are encouraged to explore their interests, set career goals, and build the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

A key resource in this journey is the Bearcat Promise Career Studio—a welcoming, student-centered space offering career coaching, résumé reviews, mock interviews, and job search support. Students can drop in or schedule appointments to get help using tools like Handshake, BigInterview, and CareerShift. Whether you're preparing for your first internship or planning your post-graduation path, the Career Studio is here to support your success every step of the way.