COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

FOR PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY STUDENTS
AT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

WHAT IS IT?

Cooperative education is a program whereby undergraduate students at Valparaiso University can work full time in industry or for the government for several semesters and summers during their undergraduate career. During this time they are not taking courses at VU, but are enrolled in Valpo's cooperative education program and earn credit for successful work done and valuable experience gained. Moreover, they earn a good salary from their employer for their work.

WHY DO IT?

• To gain some practical experience in the application of your college education before graduation.
• To focus your educational goals and gain increased confidence in your probable future professional directions.
• To vary the educational process by including real work experiences along with classroom and laboratory education taken on the VU campus.
• To earn some money to help with education costs.

ARE PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY STUDENTS IN THE COOP PROGRAM?
Yes. Our experience to date is small; the coop program is relatively new in physics. But the experiences of coop students overall is very positive and essentially all would recommend it to another student. For physics and astronomy students it is especially valuable:

• If you are undecided about going on to graduate school directly after graduation from VU.
• If you want to get a better idea of what a physics graduate might be likely to do after graduation.
• If you want to focus your degree emphasis along a probable direction, such as computer applications, research and development, etc.

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COOP EDUCATION:
Visit the VU campus and talk with faculty and students who have been involved in the cooperative education program. Call 1-888-GO VALPO to arrange a visit.