STARKVILLE — Andrew James Burns of Natchez is participating in the Cooperative Education Program at Mississippi State University.

As a major in the area of management of construction and land management, Burns is working toward a degree and at the same time is working as a co-op student on alternating semesters in Birmingham, Ala., with Doster Construction Company Inc.

The Cooperative Education Program is a five-year educational program which allows a student in various fields of accountancy, architecture, agriculture and life sciences, arts and sciences, business and industry, education, engineering and forestry to affiliate with a business, industrial or governmental firm while enrolled at Mississippi State University.

By combining practical experience with theoretical training, this program provides the student with a superior education. Once all of the degree requirements are complete, Burns may begin full-time work with the cooperating firm or will join another firm that demands this particular education.