Internship and Co-op Courses

What is an internship?

An internship is an opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment while you are a student. It allows you to apply your academic learning to the professional world, while sampling different environments and job functions to help you to make a more informed career choice. The experience also builds skills and makes you more competitive in the job market.

At Montclair, you may be able to gain academic credit for your internship through a cooperative education (co-op) course!

What is Co-op?

Co-op is a credit-bearing course that allows you to earn credit for your internship. This must be taken during the same semester that you have your internship. In this course, you will reflect on your internship experience and learning.

This is a permit-only course, meaning that you must receive approval from Career Services in order for them to issue a permit to enroll. Please view our information session video and schedule a meeting with a Career Advisor to learn more.

Co-op Deadlines:

  • Fall 2026: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:59pm
  • Spring 2027: Friday, January 8, 2027 at 11:59pm
  • Summer 2027: Friday, April 30, 2027 by 11:59pm

*Please Note: deadlines to submit the request to participate are typically 1-2 weeks before the start of the semester.

Important Points About Co-op

  • A maximum of 12 credits can be earned for co-op over the course of your Montclair education.
  • You must be registered for 12 total credits if you receive financial aid; most students must therefore take academic courses along with co-op.
  • The co-op course is a course that is charged the regular tuition rate

For assistance or questions, please contact chsscareer@montclair.edu.

How Do I Find an Internship?

You can start your search by utilizing the following:

  • Search for internship opportunities on Handshake, Indeed, LinkedIn, Idealist, company websites, etc.
  • Attend a career fair. It is never too early to meet with employers, introduce yourself and learn about potential jobs. Attend a Montclair State University Career Fair and meet with 60+ employers in one room.
  • Professors – if you develop a strong positive relationship with a faculty member, they may be able to support you meeting individuals within their network. Keep in mind that faculty serve many students so they need to know you well enough to give a recommendation.
  • Attend University corporate information sessions.
  • Your friends and family. Ask your friends and family if they know anyone working in companies where you have interests.
  • Reach out directly to employers that you are interested in and ask if they would be interested in having an intern for the upcoming semester.
  • Join a student organization to help you build a network of other students.

A step-by-step guide for students interested in an internship or co-op experience:

  1. Determine Your Eligibility

    • Continuing students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and at least 30 credits earned.
      • Minimum GPA of 3.0 for English Majors, and Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies Majors.
    • Transfer students must have earned 9 credits from Montclair in order to enroll in co-op.
      • Transfer students who have earned an AA, AS, or BA can enroll in co-op immediately.

  2. Secure an Internship

    • The internship must provide a minimum of 140 hours for the semester and be a minimum of 8 weeks long.
    • The internship must relate to your major and career interests
    • The internship must be a new, professional skill-building experience.
      • If you are currently employed with an organization, you must provide CHSS Career Services with evidence that substantial new learning will take place during the co-op semester. This can include: a promotion, new position, or a new project that comprises at least 50% of your time.
    • The internship must provide the student with a direct supervisor to oversee their experience.
    • The internship must be in a professional workplace/organization/facility. Internships cannot take place in a supervisor or client’s home.
    • Students cannot be self-employed or work for a family member.

  3. Meet with CHSS Career Services

    • Schedule a meeting with a CHSS Career Advisor via Handshake to discuss your internship, the co-op course, and credit amount. If you are a Psychology major, schedule with Macayla Mack; all other CHSS majors, schedule with Amanda Choo.
      • The co-op course is an academic course with required assignments,
        deadlines, and projects.
    • To schedule: Log into Handshake, click “Career Center” on the top right, and click “Appointments”. Schedule accordingly

  4. Apply via Handshake Prior to Enrollment Deadline

    • Enrollment Deadline: The deadline to apply for co-op is 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the semester; please check with Career Services for the exact deadline date for your intended semester.
    • Application Steps:
      • Log into Handshake, click “Career Center” on the top right, and click “Experiences”
      • “Submit an Experience” for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences for the semester in which you plan to enroll in co-op. Fill out all information about your internship site.
      • Once you submit the form, Career Services will review it & confirm with your internship site. Upon site confirmation, Career Services will issue you a permit to enroll in the co-op course.

  5. Once You're Enrolled

    Communicate via email with your Faculty Advisor for the co-op course requirements and next steps.

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