Co-op is a cornerstone of Northeastern's curriculum whereby you alternate periods of in-school coursework with six-month periods of full-time work. The combination of academic study and work produces an overall learning experience that gives greater meaning to your studies and more direction to your career development. You also bring the knowledge you've gained in the workplace back to classroom discussions. Our Co-op Advisor is Ann Galligan.
Overall, the learning goals include:
- Intellectual Growth (critical thinking and communication skills)
- Academic Growth (increased knowledge of the field of interest & the development of technical skills)
- Personal and Professional Growth (the cultivation of ethical and social awareness, as well as career and individual development)
You are eligible to go on Co-op if you meet particular requirements: minimum GPA, progress toward your degree in your major, successful completion of the mandatory Co-op Prep course, participation in advising sessions with your Co-op Advisor, and meeting all deadlines for your proposed Co-op session. Transfer students must also meet these requirements. In your freshman or sophomore year (long before your first Co-op), you must take the MCOPU101 Professional Development Co-op class or its equivalent.
Co-op is a three step process. It includes Preparation, Activity and Reflection. The "Preparation" spans the entire semester prior to the period you wish to go on co-op. It includes résumé work, referrals to Co-op employers, interviewing, etc. The "Activity" is the six months when you are working in your co-op positions from January to June, or July through December. The "Reflection" component takes place after you return. The Department of Art + Design recommends you do two Co-ops or a combination of Co-op and some other form of Experiential Education, such as Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research, or Internships.
For more inforamtion please visit the Division of Cooperative Education website.