MECOP Overview

The multiple Engineering Cooperative Program is a program available to students in disciplines related to the engineering industry. These include:

Many programs currently exist with university-industry cooperation. Few, however, have blended as many of the elements found in the MECOP. The program provides OSU, PSU and OIT students with a unique—and in many ways—innovative program of education.

FIVE-YEAR DEGREE / TWO SIX-MONTH INTERNSHIPS

Much discussion has evolved around the inability of major universities to provide an adequate education in engineering in a four-year program. Economic limitations hinder their ability to keep up with state-of-the-art technology. With this in mind, we feel we are providing the best of both worlds—the University for the technical/theoretical background, and selected industries for the practical, state-of-the-art applications. Our goal is to supply the Northwest with the best engineers with the necessary tools to be true contributors in their chosen fields.

THE ADVISORY BOARD

Each company appoints a representative to serve on the MECOP Advisory Board. The board serves a vital role for the program. The board members develop, help manage, and actively participate in all program activities. These activities include but are not limited to curriculum development, financial support, student selection, development of internship sites, placement of students into internships, and promotion of MECOP.

THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The Program Coordinator is responsible for the implementation and administration of the program. It is a full-time position supported by the MECOP Board. This method insures accountability to both industry and the University, and promotes a balance between the two interests.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Each Full Board member pays a fee to the program, depending on the size of the company. This amount is determined by the board, and the funds are used to support the Program Coordinator’s position, along with administrative and other expenses which are incurred in cooperative programs of this nature.

STUDENT SELECTION

Students are selected into the program through two screening processes. First, they are screened academically in their sophomore year. This is primarily an effort to ensure that students are academically qualified to take upper-division courses. A second screening takes place through an interview process during which all members of the MECOP Board interview the students applying for the program. The goal of this screening is to make every effort to ensure that the students are qualified and ready for future internship placement.

THE INTERNSHIPS

The program’s objective is to develop students through a variety of high quality manufacturing companies and firms that employ a wide range of engineering disciplines. To insure this, the students are required to intern at two different companies. This allows both the University and the students a more representative view of today’s diverse engineering opportunities.

INTERN PLACEMENT

Representatives from each company offering internships for students in the program are required to participate in placing the students into internships. The process consists of an informal social gathering introducing students and representatives, followed by interviews. Each student is interviewed by a group of company representatives to ask questions and clarify students’ needs and expectations in an internship. The purpose is to match students and companies, achieving mutual benefits to all parties.