Cooperative education is the cornerstone of Northeastern University’s experiential learning approach, in which on-campus study is enhanced by real-world experience through full-time opportunities at locations worldwide. Through co-op, students alternate periods of academic courses with periods of work in positions related to their academic or career interests. This combination provides an integrated learning experience that enhances both in-class studies and career development.
Undergraduate students can complete up to two co-ops in four years. Most graduate students complete one co-op experience.
Most co-ops are 6 month work experiences aligned with academic terms (Spring/Summer I, Summer II/Fall), but can vary between 4-8 months. A sample undergraduate schedule is available in the quick links section under “Typical Co-op Cycles”. For detailed information on the co-op process, policies, and additional student information, please refer to the Co-op FAQ below.
How does the co-op process work?
Students begin the co-op process by registering for the mandatory co-op preparatory course or equivalent, where they are assigned a co-op coordinator/advisor*. The co-op prep course is a class taught by co-op coordinators/advisors that provides students with the tools, skills and values necessary to obtain and excel in a co-op position and in their future job searches and employment. More information about a co-op coordinator/advisor can be found below.
After successfully completing the co-op preparatory course, students will be able to begin to apply for co-op positions, as long as all eligibility requirements (listed below) have been met, and their resume has been approved by their advisor/coordinator. Once approved, students can search within Northeastern’s job platform Nuworks or find co-op positions using other resources. Read on to learn more about NUworks.
Students searching for their first co-op typically can begin applying for jobs at the beginning of their search cycle semester. The co-op search process mimics a typical job search; students will review and apply for jobs with their resume, complete applications, interview, and accept offers. A student’s co-op coordinator/advisor will be able to provide guidance throughout the application and interview process.
Once students have received a job offer, they should let their co-op coordinator/advisor know. All co-op jobs must be approved by a student’s co-op coordinator/advisor. Note that reneging on an accepted job offer is not permitted and may result in consequences that affect co-op eligibility and participation.
*Note: Coordinator/advisor assignment timing may vary depending on their status as a graduate or undergraduate student, and their degree program.
What is a Co-op Coordinator/Advisor?
Each student is assigned a co-op coordinator/advisor based on their chosen major and home college. Co-op coordinators/advisors provide 1:1 support for students throughout their co-op journey at Northeastern, and develop relevant co-op opportunities with employer partners
In addition to teaching the co-op class that covers job searching skills like writing resumes/cover letters and preparing to interview, co-op coordinator/advisors work with students to: (1) identify career interests and long term goals; (2) apply for appropriate co-op positions; (3) develop individualized strategies for their co-op search; (4) assist students if any questions or concerns arise while they are on co-op; and (5) facilitate learning and reflection upon completion of a co-op.
NUWorks Access
NUWorks is the platform that connects Northeastern Students with co-op opportunities.
Co-op Policies
Cooperative education is the cornerstone of Northeastern University’s experiential learning approach, in which on-campus study is enhanced by real-world experience through full-time opportunities at locations worldwide.
International Student Resources
International students are eligible to participate in co-op, though must follow certain requirements and processes to be approved.
Transportation Resources
Navigating Boston and your co-op journey can be made seamless with the variety of transportation options available to Northeastern students.
Wellness Resources
Northeastern offers a variety of wellness support for all students throughout the co-op journey.
Global Co-op & Relocation Resources
Completing a co-op outside of Boston, but staying in the United States? Northeastern offers a variety of relocation support for students completing a co-op experience in another part of the country.
Co-op FAQ
Co-op is optional for most college programs at Northeastern, with limited exceptions. Students are recommended to work with their co-op advisor to verify if co-op is a requirement for their college.
Northeastern cannot guarantee that students will secure a job each co-op term. Working closely with their co-op coordinator/advisor and actively engaging will benefit students in their co-op job search. Students can also expand their job opportunities by considering a variety of geographical locations and types of positions, including global opportunities. Students are encouraged to explore all experiential learning opportunities offered at Northeastern.
Students use NUworks to search for co-op positions. NUworks is Northeastern’s online job search tool with more than 25,000 postings and 3,800+ employers and alumni networking programs worldwide. In addition to applying for positions on NUworks, students can track interviews, upload resumes, and add personalized information to aid their job search.
Students can complete a co-op in both domestic and global locations. Students interested in pursuing a co-op outside of Boston are encouraged to meet with their co-op coordinator/advisor to identify opportunities in other locations. Northeastern’s Relocation Resources. are available for students seeking positions outside of Boston.
Co-op is typically paid. Compensation is set by the employer and depends on many factors, including the industry, level of the position, and local economy. There are a few opportunities that are unpaid.
Northeastern works with students to remove cost barriers wherever possible, and some stipends—from Northeastern and employers—are available. Northeastern also offers some scholarships for global co-ops and co-ops in low-paying fields.
Co-op experiences vary, but most co-ops are full time work experiences. Students must maintain full-time status for co-op experience credit. For more information on maintaining full-time status, please refer to the catalog pages for undergraduate students and graduate students.
As of the Fall 2025 semester, undergraduate students must meet the following requirements to be released to search for a co-op position:
- Completion of a minimum of three academic terms as a full-time degree-seeking student
- Successful completion and passing grade of the Co-op Preparatory Course
- Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- Resolution of academic probation issues, or have cooperative education coordinator/advisor approve a plan to resolve these issues prior to applying for co-op jobs
- Minimum of one academic requirement or course remaining in degree program following completion of final co-op experience. For Spring/Summer co-ops that end in Summer A, the final requirement (s) may be completed in Summer B. Undergraduate students who have 12 or more remaining credits after the conclusion of a Spring/Summer co-op must complete their final full-time requirements in the Fall term to graduate in December. International students must maintain on-ground presence for the entirety of their final term, including applicable EXED course enrollment if in a remote co-op and on-ground course registration.
- Enrollment in a full-time degree seeking program (not certificate)
Graduate students must meet the following requirements:
- Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- Completion of Co-op Preparatory Course and a passing grade or approved equivalent
- Minimum of one academic requirement or course remaining in degree program following completion of final co-op experience, unless it is specified in the curriculum requirements of the program. For Spring/Summer co-ops that end in Summer A, the final requirement (s) may be completed in Summer B. International students must maintain on-ground presence for the entirety of their final term, including applicable EXED course enrollment if in a remote co-op and on-ground course registration.
- Completion of a minimum 16 semester hours for all colleges (24-27 quarter hours for College of Professional Studies students).
- Resolution of academic probation issues or have cooperative education coordinator/advisor approve a plan to resolve these issues prior to applying for co-op jobs.
- Enrollment in a full-time degree seeking program (not certificate)
- International students must attend one academic year, or its equivalent, and obtain proper authorization from the Office of Global Services before engaging in co-op.
After completing the co-op preparatory class (or equivalent) and meeting the above eligibility requirements, students will be required to complete an intent to search form. Upon approval, students will be able to apply for positions in NUworks.
Students use NUworks to search for co-op positions. NUworks is Northeastern’s online job search tool with more than 25,000 postings and 3,800+ employers and alumni networking programs worldwide. In addition to applying for positions on NUworks, students can track interviews, upload resumes, and add personalized information to aid their job search.
Yes. In addition to co-op opportunities that are posted on NUworks, students can “self-develop” co-op positions that are listed outside of NUworks. Self-developed co-op jobs must follow the same standard cycle as other co-op opportunities and must be approved by a student’s co-op coordinator/advisor. If a student would like to investigate self-developed co-op opportunities, it is recommended that they speak with their co-op coordinator/advisor.
Once students accept a co-op position verbally, electronically, or in writing, students must notify their co-op coordinator/advisor of acceptance and inform other employers they have interviewed with that they are no longer available. Students are encouraged to consult with their co-op coordinator/advisor prior to accepting a co-op position.
Students may not accept more than one job offer. Reneging or retracting an accepted offer may result in withdrawal from co-op participation. By accepting a co-op position, students are committing to work for the entire co-op period and must adhere to the start and end dates agreed upon at the time of acceptance.
No tuition is charged while a student is on co-op (students will pay room and board if they stay in university housing). If a student takes a credit-bearing class while on co-op, tuition will be charged at the per-credit rate.
Students may enroll in a class that takes place outside of their regular working hours with the permission of their co-op and academic advisors. If they are interested in taking a course that interferes with their co-op work hours or taking more than one class while on co-op, they must petition and receive approval from both their co-op coordinator/advisor and their employer prior to accepting their co-op position.
Students cannot participate in co-op in their final semester unless expressly stated in their program requirements.
If a student does not secure a co-op during their job search, they can explore alternative options, such as pursuing internships or engaging in other work experiences outside of the co-op program. Students may opt to return to take academic courses and re-apply to positions in the next search cycle.
Yes. Students who fully and successfully participate in co-op will receive a grade of Satisfactory (S). Those who fail to meet the co-op work experience requirements, including maintaining professional conduct, completing reflections and final assessments, will receive a grade of Unsatisfactory (U). These grades will appear on the student’s academic transcript. Academic credit is not awarded for the completed co-op.