Internships/Cooperative Education

If you have an interest in gaining more knowledge in Global Trade and Logistics Highline offers a TCS (Transportation Club of Seattle) Mentorship program, click here if you would like to apply.

BUSN 140 , BUSN 240, BUSN 440 are the Cooperative Education courses.

Top view of people sitting around a table working

These are not actual “classes” though – they are internships with employers (also known as a Cooperative Education experience). This

for-credit internship program allows you to learn new skills and knowledge on site from your choice of industry employer.

The Business Department no longer requires students to register to earn credit for BUSN 140, BUSN 240 or BUSN 440. Students now complete a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) application, which initiates a process for awarding credit for learning that has taken place away from the college classroom.

How to Get Credit for BUSN 140, BUSN 240 or BUSN 440

Steps to Earn Internship Credits
STEP 1: Complete pages 1, 2 and 5 of the Student Co-op Paperwork (Word Document will download) with your employer. Here is a template to help guide you.
STEP 2: Once the pages are completed, email them to the Business Department Coordinator (Cathy Cartwright), and you will be added to the Cooperative Education/Internship Course in Canvas.
STEP 3: Next, proceed with the internship by working your planned hours and schedule.
STEP 4: When you are within the last 20 hours of completing your internship, you and your supervisor will need to meet with the department coordinator for a (virtual) site visit. The remaining pages (4 and 5) on the Cooperative Education paperwork will need to be submitted to the Department Coordinator after the site visit.
STEP 5: The Department Coordinator will then submit your paperwork to the PLA Coordinator to affirm your credits should be added to your transcript. There is a $35 fee to complete the credits update (a much cheaper alternative to 5-credit tuition for enrollment, typically totaling $450).

It is important to note that an internship is required in most of the professional-technical degrees and certificates at Highline and can be one of the most valuable courses in which students enroll. Internships may lead to employment opportunities, and it is an excellent opportunity to gain legal experience, develop contacts and network, and enhance a resume. Provided the important of internships, the Business Department felt it was important to decrease barriers to the process. In addition to being more affordable, you can begin your internship at any time through this new process.

Additional details regarding Cooperative Education:

Please keep in mind that BUSN 140/BUSN 240/BUSN 440 opportunities are not always paid employment positions. The goal is to have the chance to get real work experience as an intern for college credit.
- Students must complete a total of 30 work hours per requested credit.
  - 1 credit = 30 hours of work at internship
  - 2 credits = 60 hours
  - 3 credits = 90 hours
  - 4 credits = 120 hours
  - 5 credits = 150 hours
If you are completing your AAS, the prerequisite for BUSN 140 is BUSN 199: Orientation to Business. This class is typically offered every Fall and spring.
- You must also take BUSN 199 before taking BUSN 240.
- If you have a current resume with recent work experience, you may request a waiver for this course.
Highline is regularly approached by local employers who are eager to have our students intern or work permanently at their organizations. Contact your department coordinator about opportunities that may be available for you to intern with.
- However, you are ultimately responsible with finding and securing your internship.