Information Technology MS students may include an optional 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 career in IT. 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 find co-op positions on their own.  All co-ops are subject to approval by the IT MS Program 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 IT department permits graduate students to work for a maximum of two quarters. 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 at least two-thirds of their academic study and have a 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 I20 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 I20. Students cannot register themselves for co-op on SIS; contact the IT Office in Building 70, Room 2100 (585.475.6179) to register. In addition, you must register with the Co-op Office, by logging on to the RIT Job Zone (http://www.rit.edu/co-op/careers); 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 appropriate Program Coordinator in the Office of Co-op and Career Services. They will be happy to assist you with your job search activities.