The University Design Team Program is intended to:

• Develop students’ skills in the area of transportation within the field of civil engineering;
• Enhance students’ education by providing them with real-world experience; and
• Jump-start students into their engineering careers and prepare them to become future leaders within ODOT.

The program bridges the student’s education and future career as a professional civil engineer. Students graduating with a degree in civil engineering will be offered full-time employment with ODOT if recommended by their managers and positions are available.

1. The completion of 30 college hours towards a civil engineering degree with at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA (overall and/or major) is required for initial employment or re-employment.
2. Complete at least 24 hours in the academic year (beginning in August) toward a civil engineering degree, with no grades below a 'C' in any course.
3. Students must provide class schedules or transcripts at the beginning of each semester and official transcripts at the end of each semester to verify their continued program eligibility.
4. Students must remain in good academic standing with the university to continue in the program. At the end of each academic year, the student’s grades, work hours, and progression will be evaluated for continued program eligibility.

1. Tuition reimbursement is available following the first year of employment in accordance with ODOT’s Tuition Reimbursement Policy.
2. A portion of the student’s time spent working in the design team may be counted toward the experience required to sit for the professional engineer (PE) exam.
3. Students are employed by ODOT and earn full state benefits.
4. Students work a minimum of 20 hours per week around their class schedule.
5. As employees of ODOT, students continue their employment year-round, including summer and winter breaks.