Co-op FAQs and Resources

• Co-op Connections Office: For out-of-Boston co-ops: resources on housing, roommates, events, etc.
• Co-op Preparation Class: Information on registration can be found on the Registrar’s site (EESH 2000).
• Co-op Search and Work Agreement: All CSSH students who intend to go on co-op for the upcoming cycle must review the information on a PowerPoint and complete the linked Co-op Search and Work Agreement form.
• Co-op Undergraduate Student Handbook 
• Co-op Graduate Student Handbook
• CSSH Co-op Coordinators 
• The Global Experience Office: Information on study abroad, Dialogue of Civilizations programs, and Global Co-op logistics.
• Housing and Residential Life : Information about living on campus, as well as off campus housing. 
• NUworks: Northeastern University’s database of career and cooperative education job opportunities. 
• Parking Office: Students who choose to have a car on campus, or are required to have a car for their co-op job, may obtain a parking pass.  See your co-op coordinator for more details
• Student Employment Office: Students connect with the student employment office to process co-op work study eligibility (a special financial aid designation) or when Northeastern University is their co-op employer.

• Off-campus Engagement and Support: For out-of-Boston co-ops: resources on housing, roommates, events, etc.
• Requirements While On Co-op: Within Co-op Reflection and Assessment Online System: This PDF outlines requirements including confirming your supervisor, entering your Learning Outcomes, completing Reflection questions, and your Self-Assessment and Employer’s Assessment.

• Career Design
• Disability Resource Center
• LGBTQ Resource Center  
• Office of Global Services: A resource for international students with support on many topics including and has information on Curricular Practical Training.

• CSSH Global Co-op 
• The Global Experience Office: Information on study abroad, Dialogue of Civilizations programs, and Global Co-op logistics.
• Northeastern Travel Website: Information on international travel, including Travel Support Services, Travel Registry, Health & Safety, Travel Guidance, Petition Process, ISSAC, and various Documents and Forms.

Co-op, short for cooperative education, is an experiential learning program that allows students to gain professional experience related to their academic or career interests. Students who participate in co-op alternate semesters of academic study with periods of full-time work. 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. 

Undergraduate students have the option of completing up to two co-ops over a four-year plan, and can go on co-op after completing three academic terms as a Northeastern student and fulfilling the pre-co-op requirements.

Most graduate students complete one co-op experience after completing 16 in-person semester hours (24-27 quarter hours for CPS students) and fulfilling their respective pre-co-op requirements. International graduate students must complete one academic year of studies before going on co-op. 

Students can go on co-op beginning in their second term during their second year at Northeastern. Co-op terms run from January – June and from July – December. Co-op is a three-step process: Preparation, Activity, and Reflection. The “Preparation” happens in a 1-credit co-op preparation class that spans the entire semester before a student wishes to go on co-op. It includes such practical things as resumé writing, selection of co-op jobs, interviewing, etc., as well as other concepts such as how to be mindful of the deeper learning opportunities available during the co-op job. The “Activity” is the six months when students are working in their co-op positions. The “Reflection” component varies in each discipline, but typically takes place both during and after a student returns from co-op.

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. 

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.  

Participation in cooperative education allows social science and humanities majors to examine a variety of issues they have learned in academic coursework. Students who complete a co-op experience also bring the knowledge they have gained in the workplace back to classroom discussions. Since the career interests of CSSH majors are diverse, the specific learning goals for students on co-op vary depending upon each individual student’s career and academic aspirations. Overall, the learning goals include:

• Intellectual Growth (critical thinking and communication skills);
• Academic Growth (increased knowledge of the field of interest and the development of technical skills); and
• Personal and Professional Growth (the cultivation of ethical and social awareness, as well as career and individual development).

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. 

Co-op coordinators are assigned to majors. The co-op coordinators’ assignments and their contact information are available on the co-op coordinator web page.

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.
• 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. 

Please see the Cooperative Education Undergraduate Student Handbook and Cooperative Education Graduate Student Handbook for more specific information.

The co-op prep class is a requirement for students before they go out on co-op. It is a 1-credit class is taught by co-op faculty coordinators and provides students with the tools, skills and values necessary to obtain and excel in a co-op position. Students maintain a working relationship with their co-op coordinator throughout their time at Northeastern.

When students change their major inside of CSSH, they have the choice to stay with their current co-op coordinator or work with someone in their new discipline.  Students who change majors outside of the college will be reassigned to another co-op coordinator in that college. Students who have successfully taken, and passed, the co-op prep course do not have to take it again.

Yes, student-athletes are eligible to participate in co-op. Students should discuss their plan to participate in co-op with their coach and their co-op coordinator prior to registering for the co-op prep class to determine which six-month co-op semester would work best with their sport schedule.

Yes, Northeastern University has been granted authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for students in F-1 status and by the Department of State (DOS) to issue Academic Training (AT) for students in J-1 status. International students on visas that allow practical training (such as F1 and J1 visas) are permitted to go on co-op with the appropriate authorization from OGS. Because there are very strict regulations governing co-op and practical training, it is critical for international students to discuss their situation with their co-op coordinators early. Most employers are able to hire international students, however others are not. For instance, government contractors (requiring U.S. security clearance) are unable to hire international students or even permanent residents. International students may also consider “home country co-op,” in which they return to their country of origin to work during the six-month period. This does not deduct from the student’s available practical training. All international students who are considering this option should discuss it with their coordinators and the Office of Global Services (OGS) very early in the co-op process. For detailed information on requirements, please refer to the International Students page.  

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.  Although Co-op is an optional program in CSSH, the majority of students participate in 1-2 co-ops. Students can also fulfill their experiential education requirement through other programs such a semester study abroad, service learning, independent study etc.

If students live in a Northeastern residence hall and accept a local position, they may continue living in the residence hall. If they get a position outside of Boston, they may transfer their housing deposit to another semester. Northeastern has leased housing in other cities including New York, Chicago and Portland, ME. Please visit Beyond Boston leased housing for more details. Students are responsible for finding their own housing and transportation for most co-op experiences 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. Most CSSH co-ops jobs pay between $18 and $25 per hour. Certain positions in the U.S. federal government are unpaid or may offer stipends. Students who are offered unpaid co-op positions are encouraged to apply for one of the small CSSH grants that are available each cycle to off-set expenses. Additionally, students do not pay tuition while on co-op.

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. 

The university calendar does not allow for vacations during co-op terms. Students are expected to work from the beginning of the co-op term to the end of their assignment. Students must verify their exact start and end dates with their employer and co-op coordinator. Some employers do award time off, in the form of vacation, sick, and personal days, but it is not required of an employer.

Students should arrange for personal and college-related commitments to take place outside of co-op work hours. If students need to take an occasional day off, they should work this out with their employer. If students must take unexpected, extended time off from work for special circumstances, they should contact their co-op coordinator before requesting permission from their employer. If students have military training or student-athlete team obligations that require time off from work, they should notify their co-op coordinator and their prospective employer during the interview stage of their job search.

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.  

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. 

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. 

After completing all pre-co-op requirements and an intent to search form with their college, students will be approved in NUworks to apply for positions.