Special Programs
Experiential Learning Programs

Opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students to receive course credit or other recognition for supervised experiences in public and private agencies within the community, nationally, and internationally. These opportunities are offered through experiential learning programs including over 115 courses involving clinicals, cooperative education, internships, and practica. The University Career Center coordinates most experiential learning opportunities for the campus and can provide information about the following options:

Cooperative Education: This career related professional program is available to students in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Engineering. Participants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and complete course requirements specified by their department. Transfer students must complete 12 hours at UNC Charlotte before applying to the program. Co-op students work two to three semesters either part-time or full-time (depending on college requirements) with an employer in a paid work experience. Although the experience does not offer academic credit, participants are classified as full-time students. Approximately 60% of all co-op students are offered full-time employment by their co-op sponsors upon graduation.

Internships: Internship programs provide an introduction to career options in a professionally related work experience. This experience is usually unpaid and may offer academic credit if there is appropriate faculty supervision. Students work between 8 to 12 hours a week while also taking other classes. The University Career Center coordinates a formal summer internship program for the College of Arts & Sciences.

Other Experiential Programs: The University Career Center and the university-wide Experiential Learning Council are developing expanded options for students to participate in non-credit internships (49erships) and exploratory one week Career Prospector shadow experiences. Experiential learning programs have provided experiences for students with such organizations as the International Trade Administration, the American Embassy in Paris, Duke Power, Smith Barney, the YWCA, Charlotte Repertory Orchestra, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and GE.

[Special Programs]