Applied Research Assistantship Program

Applied Research Assistantship Program (ARAP)

Short for “Applied Research Assistantship Program”, ARAP is a “cooperative education” or “cooperative learning,” program and co-op is the combination of traditional classroom learning with practical, competitively paid, work experience.  Students enrolling in our program traditionally alternate semesters of full-time study with full-time work experience over the course of their undergraduate degree curriculum.

CART's ARAP combines the proven benefits of traditional university cooperative education with an industry-centered approach. Our program allows students to complete up to four semester-long paid work experiences related to their major and career interests while still earning a bachelor's degree in four years.   ARAP students graduate on-time and ahead of the curve.

ARAP gives students the opportunity to “learn while they earn” and to: 

Explore different professional positions related to their major and career interests before graduation.

Put classroom knowledge and laboratory experiences to use in real-world problem-solving scenarios, preparing them for more advanced coursework and exciting careers of the future.

Get ahead financially, both in the short and long-term; ARAP earnings can be used to pay for tuition or living expenses and students graduating with ARAP experience typically earn higher starting salaries.

Gain insight into their professional strengths, making them better able to assess personal career interests and goals, and to confidently pursue them.

Build valuable workplace experience and hone transferable professional skills, demonstrating that they are a viable prospect in the eyes of future employers.

Experience the application of technologies and trends of the future in industries that will set the standards for tomorrow's cutting edge work environment.

Expand their professional network by making important industry contacts and building relationships with leaders in their field

Certifiy their experience with the ARAP contract employer's name and record of program completion on a certificate of completion.

ARAP Majors

The program is open to students admitted to any School of Engineering Technology degree program, including:

• Architectural Engineering Technology
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Mining Engineering Technology