Michigan Tech Undergraduate Catalog

The University
Programs for Everyone

Co-ops | Double Major | 2nd/Dual Baccalaureate Degrees | English as a 2nd Language | Sponsored Edu Progs | Study Abroad | MICUP | ROTC | Preprofessional Progs | Secondary Teacher Certification

Cooperative Education (Co-op)

Michigan Tech encourages academically qualified undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cooperative education, an experience which is increasingly becoming one of the most important qualifications sought by employers. The goal of the Cooperative Education Program at Michigan Tech is to provide practical work experience prior to graduation. As a joint venture between the University and a selected employer, work assignments are related to the student's major field of study and are varied to provide a range of training and experience.

Technical level and degree of complexity of work assignments are tailored to match the level of the student's training, progressing with each work assignment. Since the co-op student must complete essentially the same academic program as a non co-op student, the co-op student typically defers graduation by as much as a full calendar year.

To qualify for the co-op program as an undergraduate, a student must have completed freshman year course work. Transfer students must complete at least one semester in residence at Michigan Tech. Students in the co-op program are expected to maintain a grade point average of 2.20 or better. Each semester of co-op carries two academic credits, six or more of which may be applied toward an academic degree, depending on the degree granting department. Graduate student requirements include obtaining the permission of your advisor, full-time student status while applying for and participating in the co-op assignment, and maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Graduate students may earn from one to six credits per co-op assignment.

Co-op program options are designed to accommodate the needs of both the student and the employer. Co-op assignments may range from one semester to a full year or rotate between school and work sessions.

More than 400 students participate in this program each year. Michigan Tech has a cooperative education agreement with over 1000 companies and organizations in the United States. Although a majority of students choose to co-op in the Midwest, students have been placed across the nation and internationally. For more information, visit the Career Center's co-op website at http://www.career.mtu.edu/coop.php.

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Double Major

It is recommended that students consider double majors as early as possible in their program of study. Students desiring a double major should indicate their intent by filing a Curriculum Change Authorization form (available in the department advising offices) with the Office of Student Records and Registration no later than the first semester of junior year. In addition, a student seeking a double major must complete a degree audit with the academic advisor in both major departments two semesters prior to the expected date of graduation.

Any subsequent changes to specified courses on the degree audit must be approved on a Petition to Alter Curriculum Requirements form by the academic advisor of the major department.

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Second Bachelor's Degrees

Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree from Michigan Tech may obtain this degree by earning a minimum of 25 percent of the credits required for the second degree. These credits may not duplicate credits used to complete the primary or prior degree. The department recommending the candidate for a second degree has final authority in determining the necessary requirements.

Students must file a Second Degree Declaration form (pdf) with their advisor in the second degree-granting department no later than Wednesday of the second week of enrollment in order to be a second degree candidate for that semester. Forms are available in the department advising offices and the Degree Services Office, Room 130A, Administration Building.

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English as a Second Language

The English Language Institute at Michigan Tech offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses throughout the year to students interested in preparing for undergraduate or graduate study and for those interested in study of the English language. The following options for study are available:

For more information visit the English as a Second Language Program’s website at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/ips2/FAQs/Application_Procedure.htm#ug.

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Michigan Tech Online

Michigan Tech Online Learning is developing new and innovative technologies to deliver “live” and on-demand classes to degree and non-degree seeking students. Courses can be used toward certificate, BS, MS, and PhD programs. Both corporate sponsors and individuals are eligible. Please visit Tech Online Learning for more information.

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International Programs—Study Abroad

With international experience increasingly desired by both students and employers, Michigan Tech makes a variety of study abroad opportunities readily accessible.

Michigan Tech offers over 80 international study opportunities in more than 30 countries, including Michigan Tech University led programs, exchanges with partner universities around the world, and carefully selected study abroad programs offered through member consortia. Students may study abroad for as little as 2 weeks or as long as a year. Program costs are variable; many are about the same as tuition and fees at Michigan Tech. Financial aid may be applied to the costs of study abroad, and additional scholarships are available to qualified students.

Knowledge of a foreign language is not necessary to study aboard, though foreign study is an excellent way to improve language skills. Many programs are taught in English. All study abroad courses must be approved prior to your departure and the credits earned while abroad may be used for major or minor requirements, general education, or free electives. International co-ops and internships are also available.

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MICUP Transfer Degree Program

Michigan Tech MICUP

The Michigan Tech Michigan College University Partnership (MICUP) Unlock Your Future Program is available to students from Delta College, Grand Rapids Community College, and Northwestern Michigan College. The program focuses on encouraging and supporting community college students  —  primarily academically and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented (African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans) students  —  interested in obtaining a baccalaureate degree at Michigan Tech.

MICUP’s seven week on-campus summer program helps ease the transition from community college to a four year institution. Unlock Your Future offers career exploration, tutoring, comprehensive academic advising, a university residential experience, a summer undergraduate research internship with a Michigan Tech faculty member, and the opportunity to enroll in a 3-credit Michigan Tech summer course.

For more information, contact the Department of Educational Opportunity at 906-487-2920 or visit the website at http://outreach.mtu.edu/micup/.

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Officers' Training (ROTC)

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (Army or Air Force) is open to all U.S. citizens enrolled at Michigan Tech. Students may enroll in Army (AR) or Air Force (AF) courses during the first two years with no obligation to the service. Those students holding ROTC scholarships become obligated to their respective service at the beginning of their sophomore year. Students completing either program may receive a commission as an officer in the army or air force.

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Preprofessional Programs

Many different undergraduate majors and courses of study can lead to successful admission to professional schools after completion of a bachelor's degree. Admission requirements of professional institutions vary; therefore, it is the student's responsibility to determine if a suggested program at Michigan Tech meets the admission requirements of a particular institution’s professional programs. Students should consult with their advisors for courses of study.

Three departments on campus have specific programs for students pursuing professional careers in medicine and the related health sciences or in law. The pre-physical therapy advisor, located in the Department of Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education, assists students preparing for admission to physical therapy school. The premedical advisor, located in the Department of Biological Sciences, helps students preparing for admission to schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions. The prelaw advisor, located in the Department of Social Sciences, works specifically with students interested in pursuing careers in law.

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Secondary Teacher Certification

Specific major and minor programs grant both secondary school teacher certification and a bachelor's degree in the following certification areas. You must apply to the Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences (formerly Education) for admission to these programs.


*Teacher Certification Pending

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