When playing baseball in college, is the opportunity of participating in a co-op program out of the question due to the time commitment to baseball? I know that at Northeastern for example the co-op program is described by the students as one of the primary reasons they chose that school over others. Didn't know if anyone had information on this type of topic.

I would guess 'yes,' it would be difficult, but don't take my word for it.

Oscar Robertson was indeed a co-op student while playing basketball at the University of Cincinnati (where it is a requirement for graduation for some majors...e.g. engineering).

I think the NCAA has grappled with this as well over time and I don't know what their current rules are surrounding this.

Might wanna ask the coach about it.

I talked with a Northeastern dad while watching one of their games. His son chose the school for the co-op program. He didn't express any difficulties meeting the requirements of the program. The kid was a fifth year senior due to redshirting with an arm injury.

We were told directly from several Div 1 programs that we would not be able to major in anything other then general studies due to the travel and practice schedule. Our son wanted to study architecture and that any course requiring lab work would be a direct conflict with athletics and would not qualify us for any athletic aid. And that missing any practice for labs would not be tolerated since many lab were in afternoon. Most teams are on the field by 2pm.....

I think the conditions set forth by the coaches described in RYNO's post illustrate the misplaced priority athletics has in our colleges today. By contrast, the Dartmouth baseball coaches emphasized the importance of the college education during player recruitment. Though not preferable, student/players are excused from practice to study when necessary. Baseball players are majoring in Economics, English, Engineering, Psychology, and Government. The sport does not get in the way of earning your degree, or vice versa.

The overwhelming majority of college athletes are just that - college athletes. They will never perform professionally.

IMO, coaches who want to work in an organization that places practice, winning, and athletic pursuit above all else should be working in professional sports.

RJM, thank you for the reply. This was a topic I wasn't too sure about.

RYNO I am surprised to hear that-I guess that some of the more intense majors would cause conflicts but the whole idea of going to college is coming out with a degree that will help you get to a career which you want to do. I guess it shows the way things are prioritized differently by people. I do agree with DBG that if a coach would have that mentality, it would seem to fit better in professional athletics.

My son had teammates who were in the nursing program, which required labs and internships. The team worked around their schedules. Engineering was also a field of study for several players, which was also demanding.