Undergraduate
Certificate Programs and Co-Op Education
Certificate Programs
The College of Engineering offers a number of certificate programs. These programs usually require 15 credit hours and are a stepping stone toward a graduate degree.
Total Quality Management
Wireless Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering Certificate Program
The Materials Certificate is awarded through the College of Engineering in recognition
of the completion of an organized plan of study in the interdisciplinary materials
engineering and science areas at USF. The certificate is awarded in addition to degrees
in engineering.
This program is open to all engineering and related field accelerated undergraduates, graduates and industrial outreach students registered at the University of South Florida.
Suggested tracks of study include:
1. Electronic materials
2. Biomedical/engineering materials
3. Nanomaterials
4. Structural/metrological
5. Polymer/composites
Co-op Education Program for Chemical engineering students
What is co-op? It's an educational program that combines classroom studies with paid, productive work experience in a field related to your major or career goals.
Student Benefits
- Enhances classroom learning by integrating academic curriculum and real-world work experience.
- Enhances affordability of college through employer-paid wages. This is a means of financial assistance that is available to all students, regardless of family income levels or other financial aid arrangements.
- Improves job opportunities after graduation by giving students valuable work experience and contact with potential future employers.
- Teaches valuable job-search skills such as career assessment, resume writing and interviewing techniques.
- Students working under the COOP program can register for one unit of COOP study. For more information about coop program benefits click here.
For information regarding enrolling in a coop program at USF click here.
Eligibility Requirements:
Undergraduates must be enrolled at USF for at least one semester prior to applying
for the Co-op Program and have a GPA of 2.5 or better. Graduate students may apply
the first year of their academic program and must have a GPA of 3.0.
Two Cooperative Education Training Plans:
Alternating Plan - alternates full-time semesters of work ( 40 hours a week) with full time semesters
of study.
Parallel Plan - allows you to take classes and work part-time during the same semester. You may
choose to participate in the Parallel Plan for either 2 semester or 4 semesters.
Why is gaining experience before graduation so important? Experience in your field of study is not only important it's critical. Students who gain experience before graduation have clearer job targets, more defined career goals and are more marketable because of the knowledge, skills and abilities developed and refined in a real world work setting (and therefore are more successful obtaining offers upon graduation).
Can international students participate in the Co-op program? Yes. Co-op is considered co-curricular training. If you have questions or are unsure of your eligibility to Co-op it is important that you speak with someone in the International Student & Scholars Services (ISSS). The ISSS must verify eligibility and grant clearance, for all international students, who wish to participate. This clearance from the ISSS Office must be obtained prior to submitting a Co-op Application.
Are all Co-op positions paid? How much will I make? All Co-op positions are paid. Co-op students hourly wage ranges from $7-$20+ per hour, with the average between $10 and $12. However, the hiring employer determines the specific wage.
What do I need to do to apply for acceptance in the Cooperative Education Program? Complete a Cooperative Education Application Packet. Follow the steps outlined in the application process, submit the necessary documentation requested, to the Career Center on the Tampa campus.