Info For:
Two students converse in a computer lab
Drexel Co-op

Explore Cooperative Education

Since 1919, our cooperative education program, Drexel Co-op, has positioned students to succeed.

Through Drexel Co-op, Dragons are given the opportunity to test-drive potential careers and apply their knowledge in real-world environments while learning alongside the leaders of their fields. Co-ops ultimately provide the chance to explore different paths and discover what they want to do (and don't want to do!) after graduation.

Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow — Today

Serving as the crown jewel of experiential learning at Drexel, co-op enables students to gain up to 18 months of work experience and develop as leaders able to make real contributions to the organizations they work for — building an impressive résumé before they even graduate. Each co-op is unique and serves to broaden the scope of a student's learning, allowing them to return to their classrooms with an enhanced knowledge and perspectives they can share with their professors and classmates. Even better, the majority of undergraduate co-op experiences are full-time and paid, and those that are both carry a gross median six-month salary of over $22,000.

Co-op offer students the opportunity to connect with and learn from new mentors, develop relationships with influential companies and organizations, and build professional networks composed of industry experts from around the globe. By taking advantage of everything co-op has to offer, our students graduate and enter the workforce as much more than aspiring learners — they do so as experienced professionals prepared to make an impact the moment they arrive.

Did You Know?

Drexel is transitioning to semesters in fall 2027, which will better align the co-op experience and bring about more opportunities for immersive learning.
Transforming Drexel
Preparing for a Changing World: The Future of Work

Drexel Co-op allows students to gain up to 18 months of résumé-enhancing experience by exploring up to three different co-ops and test driving career options — all by the time they graduate. And when they return to the classroom, they are able to make an impact on instruction as they share their new industry insights with all those around them.

Choose the Plan That's Right for You

Most majors and programs allow students to choose a Three Co-op Option (Five-Year Program) that will allow them to maximize the benefits provided by Drexel Co-op. A One Co-op Option (Four-Year Program) is also available. Explore the academic calendar options that make up to three co‑ops possible and discover how co-op works.

A Program Built to Yield Results

How are recent graduates expected to get a job right after graduation, when most require three years of experience? Co-op is the answer. Co-op presents a chance to travel the world, pursue passions, and make an impact in the field from day one. In fact, nearly half of all Drexel graduates receive a job offer from a company where they went on co-op, according to surveys of exiting seniors. 

89%
Drexel undergraduate students enrolled in the co-op program.
90%
Co-op students that found their experience relevant to their career objectives.
46%

of co-op participants working full-time had received a job offer from a former co-op employer.

$22,000

The gross median six-month salary for undergraduate co-op positions that are both full-time and paid. More than 80% of all co-op positions are paid by the employer. For more detailed information, visit the Steinbright Career Development Center's Salary Guide.

*Data from academic year 2024–2025 co-op data

Drexel Co-op FAQs: What It's Actually Like

Students can co-op with over 1,500 business, industrial, governmental, research, and non-profit co-op employer partners. To learn more about opportunities for specific a college or school, please visit Steinbright's Co-op Fast Facts by College.
Most Drexel students will work a similar schedule to their full-time counterparts at their employer. For most students, that means a full-time, 40-hour per week position. Students who accept unpaid co-ops typically work approximately 20 hours per week in their position so that they have time for an additional part-time job to supplement their income.
Drexel does not require that students apply to co-op positions that are related to their major. Students can choose to co-op with employers that are unrelated to pursue a passion, work at a company that they believe in, explore a new area of study, or for a variety of other reasons. While it is not a requirement, most Drexel students will accept co-op positions connected to their major because it aligns with their interests and career goals. However, a co-op experience can also help a student realize that they want to change to a different major.

Students can change between the Three Co-op (five years) and One Co-op (four years) Option until their second year at the University. Before starting classes, admitted students can email Undergraduate Admissions at enroll@drexel.edu to inquire about a co-op change. Once enrolled, students should contact their academic advisor to change their co-op plan. To learn more about the co-op plans available for specific majors, please visit Drexel's Course Catalog.

Students remain enrolled at the University as full-time students during their co-op terms, but they are not paying tuition during their co-op cycle. This means that whether students choose the four-year or five-year co-op curriculum, the tuition is the same.
Just like in any other job search, employers value students with more experience. Additionally, the Three Co-op (five years) Option gives students flexibility to try out a variety of different employer types, jobs, and professional opportunities to determine what the right fit career path is for them. Ultimately, it is up to the student to decide the type of experience they want and which co-op option best aligns with their goals.

Although not common, some students may not find a co-op by the start of the term. If a student does not secure a position by the start of the term, they may be able to go back to classes if they cannot secure a co-op, or they can consider a leave for that term.

If a student chooses a co-op in the Philadelphia area, they can continue to live on campus in the residence halls or in Drexel-affiliated housing while they are working. If a student chooses to co-op farther away, they are primarily responsible for securing their own housing and transportation for co-op. Some co-op employer partners may provide housing as a part of the job. Other co-op employer partners may provide guidance to help find temporary housing close to their location. Students also can live with family or friends while on co-op if they have personal connections in the area.
Each year, roughly 50+ students go out to about 25 countries around the world for co-op. International Co-op is an exciting opportunity available for all students who are interested. See our frequently asked questions about International Co-op for more information.
Students who are undecided on their major are eligible to participate in co-op. In addition to exploring majors in the classroom, co-op provides students with the opportunity to learn how different careers relate to their academics. This is another learning experience to help students identify their passions and choose an area of study that aligns with their goals after graduation. Our First-Year Career Counseling team is here to guide and support undecided students as they explore their options and ensure they remain on track to meet their goals.

Yes, transfer students are eligible to participate in Drexel Co-op. The number of co-ops a transfer student can incorporate into their Drexel experience depends on a variety of factors, including their chosen major, the number of credits transferred, and their selected academic calendar. Transfer students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor upon enrollment to determine a plan of study that meets their individual needs.