TYPES OF INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE PROGRAMS
The Industrial Practice Programs of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science offers three optional, experiential education programs. This variety of programs provides freedom and flexibility to students and employers to arrange an employment agreement which best matches their individual needs. While offering freedom and flexibility, the IP Programs are formal operations of the Jonsson School. Each has its own rules and regulations, which must be followed for successful participation. Each of these optional programs offers paid work experiences and students must register for the appropriate and corresponding IPP academic coursework.
Program Options: Students may select between part-time or full-time assignments and between commitments of a single semester or multiple semesters. Please see the descriptions of the individual programs, detailed below, for more complete information. Students are encouraged to be flexible when evaluating program options. The best position may require the greatest commitment. Seek that position which will most develop your career, not the closest, the easiest, or the highest paying. Please see IPP Operating Formats, Plans A-E, pages 16-18 for a more complete description of the formats.
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a widely recognized experiential education program. The Jonsson School offers both full-time alternating and part-time parallel co-op assignments. In an alternating co-op program, students rotate between semesters of full-time school and semesters of full-time work assignments. Normally, two students fill a single corporate position. When one student is in classes, the other is working. At the end of the semester, the students rotate or alternate their responsibilities. In a parallel co-op program, students combine semesters of part-time or full-time class work with part-time work assignments. Co-op is a commitment of three or more semesters for both the student and the employer. The goal is to provide students with 52 weeks, 3 semesters, of professional experience.
Internships are another widely recognized experiential education program. Internships are available on both a part-time and full-time basis. The principal difference between co-op and internships is that internships are a commitment of one or two semesters for both the student and the employer. All graduate level assignments are considered to be internships.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) program which allows international students, foreign students in the United States on an F-1 visa, the opportunity to participate in cooperative education and internship programs. Because CPT is strictly regulated by this federal agency and because CPT has an impact on the international student’s freedom to work on campus or to participate in Optional Practical Training programs after graduation, CPT is strictly operated. Participation in CPT must be approved by the Jonsson School IPP staff and the staff of the UTD Office of International Student Services prior to the individual international student working on an IPP/CPT assignment. CPT work approval is granted on a semester by semester basis. A multiple semester commitment is recommended. International students may not work on an IPP/ CPT assignment and on campus during the same semester.