1,500+
annual placements in 46 states and 44 countries
$20.70/hr
average fall 2022 co-op hourly wage
$69,378
average annual full-time starting salary for UToledo engineering graduates
Our integrated co-op program makes UToledo stand out from other universities. We are one of just eight engineering colleges to require these paid work experiences for engineering science students. And that's a huge plus for you ― financially and career-wise.
Our Shah Center for Engineering Career Development ― an invaluable resource ― helps you prepare for and find co-ops.
NOTE: Co-ops are optional for engineering technology students, who can:
- Commit to three co-ops and follow the same path as engineering science students, earning credit for co-ops.
- Choose to do non-credit internships or co-ops during the summer or at other times.
How does the UToledo co-op program work?
- Complete three semester-long, paid co-ops. Two of your co-ops are with the same employer. Research co-ops also are available.
- Spend one semester on co-op and the next on campus, starting sophomore year. Co-ops are integrated into your curriculum ― unlike at some other schools. That means that we build them into your plan of study. You'll have access to all the classes you need to graduate on time.
- Take one of two co-op tracks ― A or B. One track starts spring semester, sophomore year; the other starts in the summer.
- Graduate with a full year of work experience. Find out what you like or don't like about a job before committing.
- Earn enough money to pay for your next semester's tuition. All co-ops are paid.
- Graduate with minimal ― or no ― debt.
International students: Since co-ops are a required part of our curriculum and are considered a class, you will be eligible to work. Your co-op director will explain what actions you need to take in preparation for co-ops.
Preparing for Co-ops
While you are ultimately responsible for finding your own co-op, we offer plenty of help as you prepare and look for a position.
- Shah Center for Engineering Career Development
- Mock interviews with staff and corporate partners
- Resume prep
- Visits to local companies to learn about engineering
- Co-op directors in every department
- Engage with you starting at freshman orientation
- Teach professional development
- Help with co-op searches
- Act as liaison (if necessary) between you and co-op employers
- Two annual career fairs — Hundreds of top industry employers recruit for full-time
and co-op positions every spring and fall.
- Become a career ambassador your freshman year. Help students and employers attending the Career EXPO ― a great chance to interact with possible future employers.
Median Hourly Co-op Salaries for Engineering Science Programs
| Bioengineering | $19.84 |
| Chemical Engineering | $21.10 |
| Civil Engineering | $17.59 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | $20.81 |
| Electrical Engineering | $19.88 |
| Environmental Engineering | $18.43 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $20.22 |
Median Hourly Co-op Salaries for Engineering Technology Programs
| Construction Engineering Tech | $17.32 |
| Computer Science and Engineering Tech | $19.38 |
| Electrical Engineering Tech | $15.50 |
| Mechanical Engineering Tech | $17.56 |
| Information Tech | $20.02 |
Co-op FAQ Career EXPOCo-op Program Guide for Success
What can I expect from my co-op?
Jaycee Cameron
Class of 2020, chemical engineering | Toledo, Ohio
"I like that co-ops are mandatory in my program at UToledo — and that they help you find them. Not all schools do that. Getting paid well is also attractive! The company I co-op with gives me real jobs. I’m not just making copies. I like that it’s different every day and that the learning never stops. I’m learning valuable skills that will transfer to other companies."
Vimantha Bamunuarachchi
Class of 2020, chemical engineering | Colombo, Sri Lanka
"When I was looking for a co-op, I was confident and prepared. The engineering college gave me everything I needed to know to nail the interview. I was the first student from UToledo to be hired by AstraZeneca, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world."
Anna Walker
Class of 2022, bioengineering | Bay Village, Ohio
"I've gotten a much better understanding of supply chain management and the engineering that goes into it. None of my classes has really covered this aspect of engineering (such as quality and process engineering), so I have been learning a lot about a new part of the field of engineering and about the medical device industry."
Teran Ericksen
Class of 2021, electrical engineering
"On my first research co-op, I helped design, build and test a sensor to detect harmful algae blooms in Lake Erie. It gave me an idea of what it would be like to do research in a real-world environment. I ended up with a publication and presented at a research conference. On my second rotation, I researched bluetooth and bluetooth mesh capabilities for NASA."
My Engineering Career Prospects
300+
employers at two on-campus job fairs
856
on-campus interviews
46
companies conducted on-campus interviews
At UToledo, you'll learn all the technical skills you'll need to succeed in an engineering career. You'll also gain the soft skills that will set you apart — communication, teamwork, how to juggle multiple tasks and more.
The experience you gain on co-op will differentiate you from other job candidates. Many of our students find permanent jobs even before graduation — often with their co-op employers.
The Shah Center helps current students and alumni with job searches.
Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook for information on salaries, job growth and more for various engineering careers.
Maggie Buchele
Class of 2020, mechanical engineering. Maggie completed two co-ops at Marathon in Findlay, Ohio. She received a full-time job offer as a project engineer from Marathon three months before she graduated.
"I chose UToledo because of the mandatory co-op program, which gives you amazing work experience as a student. Companies are getting more specific on who they will hire, and UToledo’s co-op program gives them a perfect opportunity to see if you will be a good fit as a permanent employee."
Corporate Partners
Our students learn from and are employed by our 20+ corporate partners, including Fortune 500 companies like Dana, Owens Corning and Marathon. Partners hold panel discussions and conduct hundreds of mock interviews with our students.
- Practice interviewing skills.
- Learn what employers are looking for.
- Make yourself more marketable.
Questions about UToledo Engineering Co-ops and Careers?
Contact the Shah Center
Shah Center for Engineering Career Development