Cooperative Education/Internship Programs

The Cooperative Education/Internship Program (COIN) connects classroom theory with real-world experience by offering degree-seeking students the opportunity to earn academic credit through industry-based employment.

The Cooperative Education/Internship Program is available to qualified undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Embry-Riddle's residential and online campuses. Designed to enhance career exploration, industry engagement, and skill development, the program offers academic credit for relevant employment experiences aligned with students’ degree programs. Credit is awarded at a rate of one semester hour per 100 clock hours of approved work, up to six credit hours per term. Undergraduate students may apply a maximum of 12 credit hours toward their degree requirements, while graduate students may earn up to 3 credit hours through the program.

To be eligible for participation in the Cooperative Education/Internship Program, students must be degree-seeking and actively enrolled at Embry-Riddle. Undergraduate students are required to have completed a minimum of 27 total college credits, including at least 12 credit hours at Embry-Riddle for transfer students, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Graduate students must have successfully completed six credit hours at Embry-Riddle and hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. All students must complete an advising session with The Center for Career and Professional Development and sign a Student Agreement prior to registration. Additional requirements include recent enrollment in Embry-Riddle coursework, good academic standing, and, for elective course substitutions, approval from the appropriate academic department.

Internships must be directly aligned with a student's academic goals and curriculum; personal employment outside of this context is not eligible for credit. For students enrolled through the online campus, co-op and internship experiences must be conducted in states approved by the university in accordance with state authorization regulations.

International students on an F1 visa must obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) before beginning a co-op or internship. The experience must be directly related to the student’s major area of study and must fulfill a required course, required elective, approved course equivalency, or allowable course substitution within the degree program. It is important to note that engaging in full-time CPT for twelve months or more will make students ineligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Students participating in the Cooperative Education/Internship Program are responsible for tuition and applicable fees associated with each credit hour earned. However, those who register for co-op or internship credit through the university may apply for financial assistance via the Career Assistance Fund, which provides funding opportunities to help offset program-related costs.

The Center for Career and Professional Development is committed to supporting student success by providing individualized career guidance, determining program eligibility, and connecting students with cooperative education and internship opportunities through Handshake and other campus-specific recruiting resources.