What Are College Co-op Programs?
Co-op (short for cooperative education) programs combine classroom learning with paid, full-time work experience in a student's field of study. These programs are designed to give students a head start on their careers by allowing them to apply what they've learned in real-world settings—often multiple times before graduation. Co-ops differ from internships in that they are typically longer, more structured, and integrated into a student's academic schedule. Students often alternate between semesters of classes and full-time employment.
Northeastern U in Boston gets a lot of attention, but there are lots of other amazing colleges with co-op programs to take a look at, including:
University of Cincinnati
UC prides itself on being the first college in the nation to offer co-op education. Generally, students spend five years at UC, taking classes full-time during the first and final years, with co-op programs alternating semesters throughout the other years. While only required for some majors, all students are eligible and encouraged to participate in co-op, and 100% of students engage in experiential learning of some kind. The university partners with thousands of employers, and students earn an average of $10,000–$12,000 per semester while gaining valuable experience.
Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)
Drexel is renowned for its mandatory co-op program, a significant component of its five-year degree program. Students complete up to three six-month co-ops (18 months total of full-time work). These experiences are often paid and with top employers across the country and even internationally.
Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, MA)
Wentworth students are required to complete two co-op experiences as part of their degree. These typically happen during junior and senior years. The school has a strong focus on engineering, architecture, and computer science, and students benefit from the school's ties to Boston's booming tech and design industries.
Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ)
Stevens offers both internships and a formal cooperative education program, with a particular strength in engineering, computer science, and business. Their co-op students gain up to 20 months of real-world experience and graduate with a strong resume, often receiving full-time job offers before completing their degree.
Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
While not every major at Temple requires a co-op, students in programs such as engineering, business, and media arts can participate in the university's optional co-op and internship programs. Temple's location in Philadelphia offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain professional experience during the academic year or summer.
Co-op programs can extend student's time in college, but they often pay off—literally. Students graduate not only with a degree but also with a resume full of professional experience, employer connections, and a clearer sense of career goals.