Industrial Co-op Program

This full-time program has the same requirements as the thesis option, but it includes industrial work experience in the Indianapolis area when such industrial positions become available.

Most chemists work in industry after completing graduate study, but few have had the opportunity to develop an appreciation for the nature of industrial research. The Industrial Chemistry Co-op Program in Indianapolis is specially designed to offer an alternative approach to career preparation. Most graduates leave this program with a strong, research based MS degree plus industrial experience commensurate with graduate level training, but students may also enter the Ph.D. program after two years in the MS Co-op program.

Students in our program are active members of the University research group during the Co-op period. Meetings of the academic advisor, industrial supervisor, and student to discuss progress in all aspects of the program are encouraged.

Program Description

The Program requires 24 months of full-time study. The first semester consists of intensive course work, interviews with several local industrial laboratories, and familiarization with faculty research interests. In the second semester, parallel work experience begins consisting of 20 hours per week at the industrial site and 20 hours per week in an academic lab. The faculty thesis advisor and the industrial supervisor serve together to monitor each student’s progress in the program.

Who Should Enter This Program?

Typical students who enter our Co-op program have sound academic backgrounds, but usually little or no industrial experience. They often face a dilemma in choosing between graduate school or industrial positions. In many ways, our program provides the best of both worlds. Students can learn what industry is all about and at the same time earn a graduate degree. If an industrial career is then chosen, our graduates are highly marketable and are positioned to make informed choices among available opportunities. Similarly, a sound, research based MS degree provides excellent preparation for continued studies toward the Ph.D. degree here or elsewhere.

Student Obligations

1. In the first semester, students (a) take courses; (b) interview with research faculty and select a thesis advisor; (c) teach one undergraduate chemistry laboratory section; and (d) interview at participating industrial sites.

2. From January 1 of the first year to August 15 of the second year, students (a) participate in industrial research (20 hours per week); (b) conduct thesis research (minimum of 20 hours per week); and (c) take any remaining courses.

3. The student must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher to remain in good standing in the graduate program.

Industrial Commitments

1. During the first fall of the program, each company arranges for a co-op student group tour of their facilities, then for individual student interviews, and finally reports their preference of co-op students to the Director of the Co-op Program. Student placements are be based on the mutual preferences of the industrial representatives, departmental representatives, and the graduate students.

2. The industrial supervisor will be an ex officio member of the co-op student’s thesis committee.

Chemistry Department Obligations

1. The Chemistry Department distributes stipends on a monthly basis. Students who enter the program in Fall, 2006 semester received $21,000. Co-op students receive the standard university health insurance package for graduate students.

2. The Chemistry Department contributes the academic fees of the student. However, students are responsible for an annual state-mandated payment of about $600 whether a resident or non-resident.

3. The Department monitors student progress both academically and at the industrial site through the industrial supervisor.