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.