The optional cooperative education concentration in CIS major offers highly qualified undergraduate majors the opportunity to participate in a six- to eight-month professional experience with well-recognized industry leaders in information technology and operations. Students will be awarded 12 hours of academic credit that will substitute for two required courses in the CIS curriculum and for six credits of special topics (CIS 498). Substitution for the two specific courses will be made based on the structure and context of the co-op experience and in cooperation with the co-op firm.<br>Students must demonstrate competency via examination in the two required courses selected in order to receive credit in those courses. Students who have at least a 3.0 GPA, are majors in CIS and have fulfilled all of their COB core requirements (COB 487) are eligible to apply on a competitive basis through the CIS & BSAN department.<br><br>Students who wish to participate in a co-op program must apply both to the CIS & BSAN department office and the participating firm at least three months in advance of the start of the co-op. Co-ops typically begin in January or May and last six to eight months. Course substitutions must be approved in conjunction with the co-op coordinator in the CIS & BSAN department and the co-op coordinator in the firm.