The Georgia Tech Undergraduate Cooperative Education Program allows students to combine classroom study with paid practical work experience directly related to the academic major. Co-ops alternate semesters of on-campus study with semesters of full-time employment, normally beginning the program as freshmen or sophomores. Over 30 percent of ECE undergraduates participate in the co-op program.

The degree requirements for students in the co-op program are the same as those for other students in the major. The Cooperative Plan designation may be pursued separately or in combination with the International Plan and/or the Research Option.

Begun in 1912, Georgia Tech's program is currently the largest optional co-op program in the United States and has perennially been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of the top ten co-op programs in America. As an integral part of the overall education experience, the co-op program allows students to take on increasing levels of responsibility and to use their job knowledge and classroom learning to make meaningful contributions to the organizations in which they work. Many co-op graduates are hired by their co-op employer, and more than 700 companies or government organizations throughout the United States and abroad currently employ Georgia Tech Undergrad Co-op Program students.

Because the School of ECE in Atlanta offers a wide range of electives and almost all required courses every term, including summer, co-op students have substantial flexibility in completing their degree requirements. Many students continue their co-op work assignments through the senior year. Additionally, co-op students working in the Atlanta area may be able to take certain ECE courses, particularly laboratories offered in the evening, during the work term.

In addition to the co-op program, the Division of Professional Practice also offers the Undergraduate Professional Internship and Work Abroad programs. These programs also provide opportunities for students to gain practical work experience, without the long-term commitment of the co-op program.