Internships/Co-op
Montclair State University offers students an opportunity to participate in an internship or co-op, which is a short-term paid or unpaid work experience that provides the employer with skilled workers and gives students exposure to a potential career and work environment. Undergraduate students may earn up to 12 credits from a combination of internship courses. Students who believe work experience can be considered for internship credits should contact CSAM Career Services. Internship courses within CSAM include BIOL 409, CSIT 491, and EAES 491.
Internship/Co-op Application Deadlines
- Spring 2026
- January 9th
- Summer 2026
- May 18th
- Fall 2025
- August 22nd
About Internships/Co-op
- Biology and Molecular Biology Majors:
- 4 credits (14-15 hours per week) for a total of 200 hours.
- The academic course designed is BIOL409
- Computer Science, Information Technology, and Data Science Majors:
- 3 credits (10-15 hours per week) for a total of 150 hours.
- The academic course designed is CSIT491
- Information Technology co-op is required; Computer Science co-op is optional; Data Science choose between co-op or research
- What is the internship course?
- This course provides students with practical experience related to their major that will enhance and complement their classroom learning.
- When is it offered?
- It is offered during the fall (14 weeks), spring (14 weeks), and summer semesters (14 weeks); there is no winter co-op session.
- Are there any deadlines to apply?
- Yes, there are deadlines to submit your co-op application (see top of page).
- How do I qualify for the course?
- Generally, students must have a 2.0 minimum GPA and have earned 30 credits before applying.
- Students who transfer into Montclair State University with an associate or bachelor’s degree do not have to obtain any course credit at Montclair State University to be eligible for co-op.
- Students who transfer into Montclair State University without a degree must complete at least nine credits at Montclair State, have at least 30 accumulated credits (including Montclair State and transfer), and have a 2.0 minimum GPA.
- How do I learn more about this course?
- Register via Handshake to attend an Information Session
- How do I apply?
- The application form is found on Handshake (Click on NEST > Handshake > Experiences>Submit an Experience)
- My major requires that I complete a departmental approval form, where can I find this form?
- The Departmental Approval form is also found on Handshake (Resources > Biology/Molecular Biology Approval Form, Information Technology Approval Form, Computer Science Approval Form and CSAM General Majors Approval Form)
- Am I guaranteed a spot in the course?
- No, you are not guaranteed a section. It is a highly competitive process. You should be actively involved and stay on top of the process. Follow-up in a timely and professional manner is essential throughout the job search to ensure your success.
- Can I find my own position and use it?
- Yes, this is called a student-developed position. Your position may be approved if the work is related to your major or your career goals and if the work experience provides new learning.
- Your CSAM Career Services representative must approve these positions through Handshake.
- Can I use my current job/employer?
- Yes, if you can demonstrate new learning through a promotion, different position within the company, or evidence of a project or tasks that will compromise at least 50% of the time spent at the work site.
- How do I earn a grade for my experience?
- You earn your grade by fulfilling ALL of these requirements:
- Successfully completing your position;
- Submitting academic projects that are assigned by your faculty advisor as part of the learning agreement;
- Attending seminars, when required.
- Is withdrawal from the course possible?
- Yes, it is possible but you need to discuss this with the employer, your faculty advisor, and your advisor. Guidelines for course withdrawal established by the Registrar must be followed.
- Do I pay for my internship credits?
- Yes, you pay tuition and fees just as you do for any other course.
- Am I obligated to work for my employer after graduation?
- No, and while many internships do lead to a permanent job offer, it is best to do a thorough job hunt that includes many potential employers.
- Review job postings on Handshake
- Attend career fairs
- Company websites
- Current employer
- Networking
- Social media (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter)
- Attend employer-led workshops (e.g., Hackensack Meridian Health, Johnson and Johnson
- Time management (i.e., when’s the optimal time for you to participate in a co-op?)
- Give yourself time to secure an internship (i.e., application process, interview, complete paperwork)
- It is a great experience-building opportunity (i.e., resume-building)
- Be proactive in your internship search
- Attend CSAM Workshops for Job Search Strategies, Interview Strategies, Science Resume Writing, and more. Register for all career events on Handshake.
