Co-op

Experience-Based Learning

Experiential (or experience-based) learning means integrating your academic course of study with practical, real-world work experience as well as active reflection on what you are learning so that you can go further, faster.

When you engage in experiential learning, you:

are more likely to find employment upon graduation (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE))
get to network with professionals in the field
graduate with substantial, major-related experience on your resume
see what working in a particular field is really like, so you can decide what's right for you

Check out our offerings, notice what appeals to you, and contact us to take the next step.

Co-op Rotation Schedule

Each DAAP undergraduate program is listed below with the co-op rotation schedule for each. Please note that "N/A" indicates there is not a co-op opportunity for that year.

Co-op Program Semester Schedule - Communication Design, Fashion Design, & Urban Planning
Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	School	School	Break
2	School	Co-op	School
3	Co-op	School	Co-op
4	School	Co-op	School
5	Co-op	School

Co-op Program Semester Schedule - Industrial Design
Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	School	School	Break
2	School	School	Co-op
3	School	Co-op	School
4	Co-op	School	Co-op
5	Co-op	School

Co-op Program Semester Schedule - Interior Design
Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	School	School	Break
2	School	Co-op	School
3	Co-op	School	Co-op
4	School	Co-op	Co-op
5	School	School

Co-op Program Semester Schedule - Fine Arts
Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	School	School	Break
2	School	School	Break
3	School	Co-op	School
4	Co-op	School	Co-op
5	Break	School

Co-op Program Semester Schedule - Architecture
Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	School	School	Break
2	School	Co-op	School
3	Co-op	School	Co-op
4	School	School

Co-op Program Semester Schedule - Art History* & Games and Animation
Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	School	School	Break
2	School	School	Co-op
3	School	School	Co-op
4	School	School

*Art History co-op schedule is optional.

Internship Program Semester Schedule - Horticulture** & Urban Studies**
Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	School	School	Break**
2	School	School	Break**
3	School	School	Break**
4	School	School

**Internship recommended/optional.

DAAP Podcast: Co-ops DAAP Co-op Schedule Infographic Employers & Partners Next Steps

Student Stories

UC launches Bearcats Affordability Grant

January 7, 2026

The University of Cincinnati is making college more attainable for students across Ohio with the creation of the Bearcats Affordability Grant. The new grant will provide a pathway to tuition-free college for students of families who make less than $75,000 per year. Beginning in fall 2026, the Bearcats Affordability Grant will cover the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell eligible.

UC student finds her stride at Pig Works co-op

November 7, 2025

Pig Works race director Jeanette Kiely praises UC co-op students like Dylan Eggleton for their professionalism, flexibility and readiness to take hands-on roles in major Cincinnati race events such as the Flying Pig Marathon. Kiely says UC students are well prepared and eager to learn.

Playing a winning hand

November 4, 2025

UC mechanical engineering student Brooke Boeding parlayed her co-op at an Ohio engineering and consulting company into a full-time job. Her co-op adviser not only helped her land her first co-op job but also provided guidance to launch her career.

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