Drexel Co-op

Apply your knowledge, earn hands-on experience

On the day of the NFC Championship, Rhian Johnson, BA communication '27, had worked nearly 13 hours as a suite supervisor for Aramark, but as a Philadelphia Eagles fan, she’s not complaining. Full Story

For more than 100 years, Drexel University has equipped students for the transition from school to work with its renowned cooperative education program. Since 1919, professional work experience and skill development has been central to Drexel’s academic model and curricula in the form of our cooperative education program, Drexel Co-op.

Co-op allows our College of Arts and Sciences students to explore career options and acquire skills while building an impressive résumé before graduation. Students can also explore specialized options such as research, entrepreneurship or international co-ops. While co-op roles can be both paid and unpaid, students who participate in the program typically receive higher starting salaries post-graduation than graduates of other schools.

The Steinbright Career Development Center fully supports students throughout the co-op process.

WHAT IS DREXEL CO-OP? YOUR CO-OP EXPERIENCE COLLEGE CO-OP FACTS MEET OUR CO-OPS

Co-op is NOT an internship

No summers of coffee runs or mindless filing here! Drexel students embark on six-month periods of full-time employment in practical, discipline-specific jobs aligned with their interests and abilities. Depending on their chosen program, students can participate in up to three different co-op positions —that’s 18 months of hands-on work experience— during their time at Drexel. Co-op students are entrusted with projects vital to the day-to-day functioning of the workplace and they get to see how the knowledge they've gained in the classroom is applied in the field.

98%

of College of Arts and Sciences students were employed on co-op during 2021-2022, while others engaged in mentored research and community-based learning opportunities.

70%

of Arts and Sciences co-op positions were paid.

92%

of Arts and Sciences students working full-time were satisfied with their co-op position.

95%

of Arts and Sciences students working full-time co-ops said they were satisfied with the level of responsibility at their position.

Meet Our Co-ops

Meet Biological Sciences Major Carlie Relyea '23

Relyea majored in biology with a concentration in cellular molecular genetics and biochemistry and a minor in sociology. During her first year, she got involved with the SEA-PHAGES program, which gives students hands-on research experience in their very first term.

Meet Communication Major Kayla Alford '24

Alford majored in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in organizational management. A co-op with Comcast's HR team helped her figure out her career goals.

Meet Global Studies Major Rida Memon '24

Memon majored in global studies with a concentration in global justice and human rights, and minored in political science, Spanish and law—a combination she knew would help her achieve her goal of helping marginalized communities as a public interest lawyer.

Meet Criminology and Justice Studies Major Jade Umstead '23

Jade Umstead was interested in both the criminal justice system and the psychology behind crime and found that curriculum in Drexel’s Department of Criminology and Justice Studies allowed students to immerse themselves in both of these different but related disciplines.

Undergraduate Research Prepares Physics Major for Career in Sustainable Energy

Drexel physics major Alyssa Luby will present her research on the Beam Lifetime (BL3) Experiment at the upcoming Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support (ASURS) symposium.

Abryana Kevelier-Williams and Dean David Brown

Discussions with the Dean: Meet Criminology and Justice Studies Alum Abryana Kevelier-Williams '24

Abryana Kevelier-Williams '24 sat down with Dean David Brown, PhD to discuss her passion for justice informatics and experiences at Drexel, including a co-op in Greece and an intensive course abroad in Denmark.

Finding Latin American Inspirations in the Library and Archives

As the oldest natural history museum in North America, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has a long and varied history. And even with the many well-known figures, works and stories found in its phenomenal Library and Archives, there are more that need to be researched, uncovered and revealed to help shape a brighter, more equitable future.

Discovering Drexel's History: Meet University Archives Assistant Sophia Stutte

Before coming to Drexel, history major Sophia Stutte resided in the Washington, D.C. area, where their fondness for archives and libraries blossomed through countless visits to the renowned Smithsonian museums. A co-op with the Drexel University Archives has allowed them to further explore this passion.

Ryan Shaw teaches music to a group of students

Co-op Sets Communication Major on Path to Becoming a Music Therapist

A co-op with the nonprofit Keep Music Alive not only allowed Ryan Shaw to explore his lifelong passion for music, but inspired him to pursue a career in music therapy after he graduates from the MS-SDC program.

Writers Room co-op student Jeremy D'Amico

Finding Your Place in the Community with Writers Room

When Jeremy D’Amico, political science ’24, decided to come to Drexel, he didn’t think much about what living in a city like Philadelphia would involve. He quickly became absorbed in his studies and paid little attention to the community surrounding campus—until he started a co-op with Writers Room.