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

Science Harvest connects kids with science, one pollinator at a...

October 3, 2025

Walking up to Science Harvest’s booth at the Northside Farmers Market, surrounding their inviting, sparkly craft table, are nothing but kids with smiles. On closer look, the cut-out paper bugs and “pollen” (mac and cheese powder), reveal themselves. Engaging with the kids is Kate Nicole Hoffman, researcher with UCs Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS), as she explains to them how pollination works. Science Harvest’s mission is an extension the mission for PEWS, which is to educate the public on science-related topics to benefit everyone. This makes their weekly appearance at the family-friendly Northside Farmers market a perfect match.

How co-op programs turn college into a career launchpad

Explore how the University of Cincinnati’s paid co-op program sets students apart. Gain experience, earn income and launch your career before graduation.

Photos:“Made You Look” pop-up showcase

September 30, 2025

More than 300 students and community members attended “Made You Look” on Sept. 24, a pop-up retail experience at the Tangeman University Center that showcased UC student creativity in partnership with Champion and the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP).

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