Information Science & Technologies graduate students may, optionally, include a cooperative work experience (co-op), also called Optional Practical Training for international students, as part of their studies. The work experience gained through co-op can help you start your IT career. RIT's Office of Co-op and Career Services maintains active relationships with many employers for job postings and on-campus recruiting activities -- including career fairs. Students can also find co-op positions on their own.  All co-ops are subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator.

The typical co-op salary range is $10 to $20 per hour. While you cannot earn enough to pay for your tuition, you can earn money to help support your living expenses. The IST department permits graduate students to work for a maximum of two quarters during their studies; co-op can NOT be extended for additional quarters.

Co-op is a registered course and counts as full-time status. There is no tuition fee for co-op since it is considered to be a zero-credit course. Graduate students must have completed all prerequisite requirements and at least two-thirds of their academic study with at least a 3.0/4.0 grade-point average. International students must be full-time students at RIT for at least nine (9) months and be on a F-1 visa. International students should also plan their time at RIT carefully so that they can complete their degree within the time specified on their I-20 paperwork. Co-op is not required for the degree and time "lost" while on coop cannot be used as a reason for extension of an I-20.

Students cannot register themselves for co-op on SIS; contact the Student Services Office in Building 70, Room 2145 (585.475.2700) to register. In addition, you must register with the Co-op Office, by logging on to the RIT Job Zone; select the "Report Your Job" link and fill out and submit the co-op notification form.

For more information about co-op for graduate students, contact the the Office of Co-op and Career Services. They will be happy to assist you with your job search activities.