Cooperative Education Program

The California Maritime Academy Cooperative Education Program allows students enrolled in the Facilities Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Degree, Business Administration Degree and Global Logistics and Maritime Affairs Degree programs, who are beyond their second year at the Academy, to earn academic credit while gaining practical experience with pay. The co-op Program is required for engineering, business and technical students completing degrees leading to Management and Plant Engineering in-training certifications.

The purpose of the Co-op Program is to integrate classroom studies with academic related work experience. A growing number of employers utilize Co-op as a major recruitment tool for hiring entry-level professionals.

The Co-op Program for students completing Plant Engineer in-training will be accomplished over two years, with the first occurring during the summer between the second and third year at the Academy. Each Co-op activity will be not less than 60 days in duration, and may last up to 120 days depending on the needs of the employer. Students must complete an application for a co-op no later than the first Friday in December. Management majors will also participate in a 60-day co-op that integrates their studies of Logistics and International Business.

The Placement Office sets up cooperative programs with assistance from the engineering faculty, business faculty, global logistics faculty, and Dean Kreta. Students may set up their own co-ops; however, students must work in conjunction with the Career Center and should advise the Dean of Engineering, Business and Global Logistics of any co-op opportunities of which they are aware. Selection for co-op assignments will be accomplished early in the Spring semester. Priority of assignment will be based on cumulative academic performance at the academy.