Cooperative Education Programs

Earn College Credits For Your Work!!!!
No Books, No Class Time, No Stress
The Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program enables any qualified TCC student to: Earn college credits for work related to their career goals Gain practical work experience Make informed career decisions Achieve the advantage in a competitive job market
The Opportunity Is Right For You, If You Are: Enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a curriculum that relates to the work experience you seek Currently working in a field that relates to your curriculum How do I qualify?
Call (757) 822-7228 for additional information.

An Introduction to Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic program that enables students to earn college credits for work experiences related to their career goals. It allows students to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom in “real job” settings. Co-op provides the opportunity for students to gain practical work experience, make informed career decisions and achieve the advantage in a competitive job market.

Benefits To Students

Participation in Co-op offers the opportunity to expand your learning beyond the classroom and can provide you with a competitive edge in the job market. Through Co-op, you may:

• Apply new skills and experiences learned in the classroom to a realistic work situation.
• Gain academic credit.
• Earn a salary to help defray educational expenses.
• Enhance your resume, references and work experience.
• Make better, informed career decisions.
• Gain the opportunity for post-graduation jobs.

• You are currently working in a position that offers opportunities for new learning objectives and your employer agrees to cooperate with Tidewater Community College in supervising and evaluating your work performance.
• You are enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a curriculum that relates to the work experience sought.
• You must have an overall 2.0 grade point average (GPA) or better and continue to maintain it.

Earning Cooperative Education Credits

Credits are earned for what is learned on the job. At the beginning of the semester the student and the employer develop “Measurable Learning Objectives”. The Co-op Faculty Member then approves these objectives. Letter grades are determined based on the employer’s evaluation of the student’s performance and completion of the Measurable Learning Objectives. Students must also complete a Student Evaluation Form at the end of the semester.

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Registering For Cooperative Education Credits

You may register for Co-op credits after you get approval from a Co-op staff member. Registration packets are available in the Cooperative Education Office. You may register for one to five credits per semester. One Co-op credit equal 80 hours of work during the semester.

Using Cooperative Education Credits

In some curriculums, Co-op is a requirement, in others it may be taken as an elective. Your Co-op Faculty Member will help determine if Co-op will enhance your academic program. Generally, Co-op credits are not transferable to a four-year institution. If you plan to transfer, check with the college or university you plan to attend.

Contact the following offices for additional information on the Cooperative Education Program:

Student Employment Services/Cooperative Education Office
Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus
1700 College Crescent, Kempsville Building, Room D-105
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Office: (757) 822-7228

Academic Divisions
Tidewater Community College – Chesapeake Campus
Marian P. Whitehurst Building, Room 2016
1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 822-5152

Student Development Services Office
Tidewater Community College – Portsmouth Campus
Frederick W. Beazley Building, Room 436
7000 College Drive
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 822-2168