Cooperative Education, sometimes referred to as Work Study, is a model of structured learning that mixes academic education with practical work experience. Advocates of work study programs believe that students perform best when they actively participate in their education, learning the most when they can actively apply their school lessons within real-world context.

Today, more employers prefer graduates to have at least some work experience prior to graduation. Pursuing a work study program is a good way for students to differentiate themselves from other applicants by demonstrating applied knowledge, career experience, and commitment to a particular field. Students participating in a work study position are preferred over those with internship or externship experience. This is due to the fact that the level of complexity for co-op tasks is viewed as being the most relevant for success in a career environment.

Work Study can also refer to federally funded work programs created for students as a means of financial assistance. These are typically part-time positions on-campus or through institutionally affiliated employers. Income, eligibility, wage, and hour restrictions apply to work-study positions; however, wages are subsidized by the government, providing an incentive for employers to become involved with work-study hires.