Explore. Earn. Excel.
Co-op (Cooperative Education) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is a dynamic educational approach that integrates academic learning with meaningful paid work experiences related to a student's major or career goals.
Our model allows students to alternate classroom learning with hands-on experience in the field, helping them gain valuable skills, explore career paths, and earn income while still enrolled in school.
What is Co-op at UNO?
Co-op is an educational approach where phases of academic learning are interspersed with paid work experiences related to the student’s field of study.
Co-op Options at UNO
We offer two pathways to meet students where they are:
Traditional or Full-Time Co-op
Students alternate academic semesters with semesters spent working full-time in their chosen field.
- Work 35+ hours/week
- One academic semester (15–16 weeks)
- On-site, remote, or hybrid
- Alternate with academic semesters
Part-Time Co-op
This flexible option allows students to work part-time while continuing to attend classes.
- Work ~20 hours/week while enrolled in classes
- One academic semester (15–16 weeks)
- Flexible scheduling options
- Ideal for exploratory studies or majors
Both models are paid experiences and must be related to a student’s academic or career field.
Why Choose Co-op at UNO?
Real Work Experience: Gain skills in real-world settings.
Earn While You Learn: All co-ops are paid.
Career Exploration: Try out career paths before graduation.
Employer Connections: Build your professional network.
Academic Credit: Co-op may be eligible for variable course credit (pending program approval).
Who Can Participate?
We are piloting our first co-op in Fall 2025, with plans to expand in future semesters. We encourage students across all colleges to stay tuned for program developments.
How Do I Find A Co-op
- Talk to your academic advisor about how co-op could fit into your degree plan.
- Browse current openings on Handshake.
- Watch for updates on co-op application processes for Fall 2025.
For Employers
Interested in partnering with UNO to host a co-op student?
UNO seeks flexible, paid co-op opportunities across industries. If you're interested in recruiting your next co-op or intern, please contact Career Services at careers@unomaha.edu.