The Program

Certificate in Applied Research On Cooperative Enterprise

The certificate is credit-based, involving 15 credits of coursework and an approved 6-credit (240 hour) field-based research internship with, or related to, a cooperative enterprise.  Students gain experience in doing applied economic research in the context of collaboration with faculty, other students, and owner/managers of cooperative firms. Internships are generally completed during the spring or summer;  students meet with supervisors and faculty sponsors and other students to discuss their research. 

Students must be matriculated at UMass Amherst, and can have any major.  To receive the certificate, students must compete 15 credits of course work plus a 6 credit internship with a cooperative organization. A checklist form with list of approved courses may be found at https://www.umass.edu/economics/certificate-requirements-checklist-form

1. Complete one of the following Introductory Courses:
• Econ 103 (or Res Econ 102)
• Econ 104
• Econ 105
2. Complete one course in advanced research methodology:
• Stats 240, Res Econ 212, Stats 501, Psych 240, OIM 240 or Educ204
• Econ 452
• Res Econ 313
3. Take the Economics of Cooperative Enterprises Course: Econ 394CI
4. Make an appointment with Valerie Voorheis to discuss the certificate program.
5. Complete additional upper level courses to fill out the 15 credits of course work. (see checklist)
6. Complete a 6-credit research internship in cooperative enterprise.