UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Cooperative Education

What You Should Know About Coop

What is cooperative education?

It is a unique educational program. Through co-op, you alternate between periods of learning in the classroom and periods of learning in the workplace. Your work experiences are full-time, connected to your major or your personal interests, and almost always paid. Co-op allows you to test various possibilities while you are still an undergraduate. You try out different jobs, discover what you like and don't like, and understand the rich connections between classes and work. Finally, you graduate with as much as two years of real-world, on-the-job experience already on your resume.

Who participates in co-op?

Almost all full-time undergraduates who have completed at least three full quarters of classes.

How do I get started in co-op?

After you enroll at Northeastern, you are assigned to a co-op coordinator, a faculty member in the Co-op department. Coordinators typically have an educational and professional background in your major and can help you with all aspects of your co-op curriculum. The "Directory of Co-op Faculty" website will help you locate coordinators� names, locations, and, in some cases, websites.

Am I always guaranteed a co-op job?

Though we can't guarantee you will find a job each co-op period, your coordinator will make every effort to help you secure one. Co-op coordinators stay in close contact with employers to develop and maintain interesting, salaried co-op positions; they also help you choose your best options. But finding a co-op job, like any job search, depends upon a variety of factors: your qualifications as compared with those of other candidates, the current needs of an organization, the specific demands of a position, and the job market in general. Still, almost all students who follow the appropriate steps in a timely manner, meet frequently with their coordinator, and go on the necessary interviews find a co-op job.

Will I get paid on co-op?

Almost all co-op jobs pay a salary. How much you earn depends upon the particular profession, the demands of the position, your skill level, and the local economy. Your coordinator has specific salary information.

Do I pay tuition while on co-op?

No.

When do I begin co-op?

It depends upon the co-op division you're assigned to and the academic requirements of your major. Most students begin co-op in the fall or winter quarter of their sophomore year. Some students begin co-op as early as the summer quarter following their freshman year. Transfer students usually begin co-op after completing at least two consecutive academic quarters at Northeastern.

Once I get a job, do I keep in touch with my coordinator?

Out of sight does not mean out of mind. While you are on co-op, your coordinator is available to assist you with any issues related to co-op or school. Then, when you return to classes, you meet with your coordinator to discuss your on-the-job experiences.

Will my job change each co-op period?

It depends. Many employers require a two-quarter commitment. This gives you a chance to become familiar with your organization's operations, demonstrate your abilities, and gain the necessary experience for possible advancement beyond an entry-level position. Your coordinator can help you understand the various requirements and opportunities.

Do I receive credit for co-op?

Students who successfully complete a cooperative-education experience receive four quarter-hours of Experiential Learning Credit (ELC). Full participation in co-op includes pre-job preparation, assessment of your performance during the co-op term, and reflection on the experience with your coordinator. Grades of Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U), or Incomplete (X) may be assigned. Although ELC is not added to the academic credit hours required for graduation, your transcript will reflect your grade for each co-op term.

I am a varsity athlete. How will that affect my co-op schedule?

Practices and games place special demands on the schedules of many varsity athletes. Athletes should meet with their coordinator as early as possible to discuss how their athletic schedule will affect co-op opportunities. The specific impact will vary from major to major and person to person.

Where do I live while on co-op?

When you are on co-op, you have the same status as when you are taking classes - that of "full-time student." This means housing, Marino Center, parking, library, and other privileges are unchanged. If you are a dorm dweller during the academic quarter and accept a local co-op job, you may continue living in the dorm. Housing deposits are refundable and transferable to another quarter only if you get a job outside the Boston area. If you do accept a job outside Boston, you are usually responsible for making your own housing and transportation plans. Your coordinator may be able to help in your search.