Earn College Credits
while on the Job

Program Overview and Goal
The cooperative education program at Cowley College connects students, learning and employers in a fashion to create academic experiential situations that are meaningful for all. The program was requested by a number of institution stakeholders for the betterment of the students, employers and community served by the college.

This academic program provides the student with an opportunity to participate, as an employee of a business, to gain valuable experience in the work setting.  Students will complete at least ten hours each week actively functioning at a business to learn the myriad issues found at any organization. Students cannot enter the program until after the completion of their first semester and must always concurrently enroll in other Cowley College classes (including the summer semester).

Cowley College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Governance is provided by the local Board of Trustees and the Kansas Board of Regents.  The cooperative education program follows all requirements outlined by the Higher Learning Commission and follows course approval requirements outlined by the Kansas Board of Regents. The cooperative education program follows correct and proper methodologies to ensure compliance and standards of excellence.

This program policies and practices guidebook outlines all the aspects of the program so that all stakeholders understand how this affects the students, businesses and college.

Cooperative Education Goals
The goal of the program is to foster expanded career exploration and experiential learning in many professions. The program goals echo those of the college in every regard.

Course Requirements
Students must complete specific assignments during the cooperative education courses to earn credit. An abbreviated list of these assignments includes:

Complete 12 credit hours at Cowley prior to enrolling in a cooperative education course.
Be concurrently enrolled in other courses at Cowley.

1. Complete a personal development plan.
2. Submit student evaluations completed by the employer.
3. Submit a current cover letter and resume.
4. Write a summative reflection paper

If the student completes all required assignments and a total of 160 hours during the 16 week class, the student will earn 2 credit hours for each cooperative education course. These credits will typically fulfill elective requirements for degree programs, but students are encouraged to consult their advisor regarding transfer of credit.

Course List

CED 3950 - COOPERATIVE EDUCATION I (2 hrs)

CED 3951 - COOPERATIVE EDUCATION II (2 hrs)

CED 3952 - COOPERATIVE EDUCATION III (2 hrs)

CED 3953 - COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IV (2 hrs)

Contact
Chris Cannon, cannon@cowley.edu, 620-229-5985.