Co-Ops at Champlain
Earn while you learn! Full-time, paid work experience that counts toward your degree.
Test-Drive Your Career Through Immersive Professional Experiences
Class Time Meets Full Time
Our co-op program is designed to fit seamlessly within your academic plan. When you participate in a co-op at Champlain, you:
- Work full time at your co-op position
- Earn 12-15 credits toward your degree
- Reflect on and document your professional development
- Receive competitive pay from your employer
Because co-op credits count towards completing your degree, you’ll gain professional experience—and still be on track to graduate in four years.
Why Choose a Co-Op?
Champlain’s co-op program offers tangible, long-term benefits. Champlain graduates with paid work experience earn, on average, $15,000 more per year after graduation.
Gain deeper professional experience.
Working full time means you’ll have more ownership than a typical internship—you’ll gain invaluable experience that comes from working with professional teams.
Earn while you learn.
Experience is valuable, but so is your time. All co-ops at Champlain are paid positions, so you can focus your energy on making the most out of the experience.
Get full-time facetime with industry leaders, experts, and future peers.
Being there day in and day out for an entire semester will help you build meaningful working relationships with actual professionals in your future industry.
Enhance your resume.
Boost your marketability as you start to look for jobs—co-op experience is highly regarded by employers looking to hire new talent.
Test drive your future.
When you have co-op experience under your belt, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in your future workplace.
Burlington and beyond — where will your co-op take you?
Students can explore co-op opportunities anywhere in the US!
A Co-Op As Unique As You
Our co-op program is open to juniors and seniors. Each co-op is tailored to a student’s interests, skills, and career goals. For example:
- A cybersecurity major may choose to work with a cybersecurity firm to defend networks for businesses and government agencies across the US.
- A marketing student may spend their semester working for a fashion or skincare company, creating digital content and branded materials.
- A business major may work with a leading snow sports and outdoor recreation company to improve the shopping experience with artificial intelligence tools.
- A social work student may join a local non-profit to advance housing, education and public safety for local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between a co-op and an internship?
Unlike many internships, co-ops are paid and full-time. With a co-op, you have the chance to fully immerse yourself in the company and position while continuing your education.
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How long does a co-op last?
Co-ops typically last for one semester—about 15 weeks. Some students may opt to do two co-ops during their time at Champlain College.
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Will I get paid for my co-op?
Yes! Co-ops at Champlain are paid positions, with compensation that varies depending on the industry, location, and your experience level.
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Who is eligible to participate in the co-op program?
Students typically need to be in their junior or senior year with good academic standing. Specific requirements may vary by program. All majors are eligible to participate.
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Will I stay on track to graduate if I do a co-op?
Yes! Hands-on learning and professional experiences are what set Champlain’s academics apart. You’ll have the flexibility and advising you need to plan ahead and complete a co-op while still graduating in four years.
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What about tuition during my co-op?
Students pay full-time tuition during their co-op as they continue to make progress toward their degree and earn academic credit.
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Does my co-op have to be with a company in the Burlington area?
No, students can explore co-ops across the US.
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When can I start?
We will launch our co-op program in Fall 2026.
More Inside Career-Focused
Upside-Down Curriculum
Champlain emphasizes practical, hands-on learning early and often. Our Upside-Down Curriculum gets you into major-specific classes early in your college career allowing you to practice your skills often through multiple internships and cooperative experiences.
Core Curriculum
At Champlain, we embrace an unconventional academic model because we know that our job is to give students the skills needed for a career AND for life-long growth.
InSight Program
Success is about more than landing a great job. It's also about living your best life! Get ready to cultivate the skills and knowledge you need to grow and thrive for a lifetime.
Co-Ops at Champlain
Earn while you learn! Full-time, paid work experience that counts toward your degree.
Internships & Fieldwork
Gain real-world experience, develop your professional skills, and build strong industry connections through field placements beginning in your very first year.
Leahy Center
Taking classes in your major is one thing—doing it in the real world is another. Bridge the gap by working on real projects, challenges, and research in an agency-like setting.
Studio Experiences
We take a different approach to education—one that prepares you for work by letting you work on real projects. This is what we call the Studio Experience.