UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Cooperative Education

Overview

In Northeastern's practice-oriented education, co-op forms a cornerstone of academic life. Your understanding of criminal justice is enhanced by learning both inside and outside of a traditional classroom setting. The College of Criminal Justice believes that learning occurs best when co-op and classroom experiences are considered two halves of a single curriculum.

The reason: Some opportunities that make you an effective professional—such as the chance to develop mature judgment or analyze complex issue — are best discovered in the classroom. But other important lessons — about professional responsibility, for instance — truly come to life when you put them into practice.

The combination of workplace and classroom education makes learning more stimulating. Your academic knowledge increases your contributions in your workplace positions. Similarly, the classroom discussions are livelier when you can talk about questions and insights that grow out of real experiences. With professional work a part of your education, you realize what capabilities you've developed -- and what you don't yet know. Like many Northeastern students, you may find this awareness increases your motivation to learn when you return to campus.