Student Affairs

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staff throughout their participation. Each student is assigned to a co-op adviser who will
guide them through a structured placement process before monitoring/evaluating their
experience for learning outcomes and professional development. Cooperative Education, as
the term implies, represents a collaborative effort between the University and participating
companies.
Students may qualify for the Co-op Program after satisfactorily completing 30 credit hours
of coursework and declaring their major. Transfer students may qualify after one semester
of coursework at Clemson. Students normally enter the program as sophomores or juniors
and complete two to five rotations in a co-op assignment. Engineering majors must complete
a minimum of three rotations (two regular semesters and one summer) to complete the
program and receive a certificate. All other majors may complete the program with two
rotations. Some majors may require students to complete the Co-op Program as part of the
curriculum. Departments requiring participation in the program will refer students to the
program office. Students should enter the program and begin the matching process in the
semester prior to the one in which they want to do their first rotation.
Off-Campus and International Internships
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates classroom knowledge with
career-related work experience. Internships can be a vital link between college majors and
the exploration of professional opportunities. Students are able to participate in a domestic
internship on or off campus, as well as internationally. Specific requirements will vary
depending on the type of internship and the student’s major. Internships are typically offered
for a specific period of time during the Spring or Fall semester (14-16 weeks) or during the
Summer (10-14 weeks). Students are strongly advised to begin their search at least four to six
months in advance. Students are also advised to attend a workshop, contact their department
or visit with a career counselor at the beginning of each semester.
The CCPD offers a variety of services for students to find internships. In addition to providing
counseling and resources that aid in the internship search process, part-time and full-time,
zero-to-three credit hour internship courses, which are denoted on students’ academic
transcripts, are also available through the CCPD. The full-time INT courses also allow
students to maintain their University enrollment status while interning. Students enrolled
in the programmust register for the appropriate course number (e.g. INT 1010, 1020, 3010,
etc.) for each rotation to receive a grade of Pass or No Pass. Students pay a course fee each
academic term that coincides with an internship rotation.
On-Campus Internships
The University Professional Internship and Co-op (UPIC) Program offers students paid,
on-campus professional learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to work with
Clemson faculty and staff as well as receive an internship notation on their transcript.
Enrollment in the INT course is required for this program. In order to be eligible for the
program, a student must have completed at least one full semester at Clemson University and
be an enrolled, matriculating undergraduate student in good standing. Student applications
for future internships are typically listed in ClemsonJobLink halfway through the semester
prior to the experience.
Departments andMajor Requirements
Internships typically involve working with a professional mentor on a structured project
relating to a student’s major or career interests. Credit-bearing internship courses may
be available through a student’s academic college or department. Some majors may also
require students to complete an internship as part of the curriculum. Further inquiries
about departmental internship requirements should be directed to the specific department.
To learn more about the CCPD, visit