Since 1912, Georgia Tech has offered a five-year Undergraduate Cooperative Program to those students who wish to combine career-related experience with classroom studies. The program is the fourth oldest of its kind in the world and the largest optional co-op program in the country.

Students alternate between industrial assignments and classroom studies until they complete four or five semesters of work. Co-op students with nuclear and radiological engineering majors complete the same coursework on campus that is completed by regular four-year students. Most co-op students begin the program as freshman or sophomores and are classified as full-time students regardless whether they are attending classes on campus or are full-time at an employer’s location.

Students who participate in the program have the opportunity to develop career interests, become more confident in their career choices, and develop human relation skills through their work experience. Graduates of the program receive a bachelor’s degree with a Cooperative Plan Designation. Woodruff School students have traditionally been the largest group participating in the program.

Students can also complete work assignments in a foreign country as part of the International Cooperative Program. This program is a great opportunity to utilize foreign language skills, gain a global perspective, and experience a diverse culture. Proficiency in a foreign language is necessary to earn the International Cooperative Plan degree designation. For more information on the Cooperative Program, go to www.coop.gatech.edu.

The Undergraduate Professional Internship Program is for nuclear and radiological engineering students who do not participate in the Cooperative Program, but want some career-related experience before graduation. Students generally work for one semester, usually in the summer, with an option for more work. Students must have completed at least 30 hours of coursework at Georgia Tech before they can participate in the program. For more details, see: www.upi.gatech.edu.

In addition, there is a Work Abroad Program (www.workabroad.gatech.edu), which complements a student’s formal education with paid international work experience directly related to nuclear and radiological engineering. Participating students typically include juniors and seniors. The international work assignments are designed to include practical training, cross-cultural exposure and learning, and the acquisition of needed skills.

For more information about all of the programs in the Division of Professional Practice, view www.profpractice.gatech.edu.