Writing on Co-op

Co-op, or cooperative education, has been the pinnacle of Northeastern's experiential learning program for over 100 years. Up to three times across their academic career here at Northeastern, students are eligible to alternate between full-time students and full-time employees. Students on the Spring co-op cycle typically work from January to July and those in the Fall co-op cycle work from July to December. The co-ops are 4-6 month work periods located across all seven continents, though many students choose to stay in Boston.

Cooperative education emphasizes work experience as part of a college education rather than limiting students to a traditional classroom setting. Before graduation, students have the experience of applying, interviewing, and working in a professional setting, an opportunity not offered by most other colleges and universities. The co-op system produces motivated, passionate, and confident adults more prepared for their post-undergraduate transition, something proved by the fact that 93% of Northeastern graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.