Drexel Co-op

Apply your knowledge, earn hands-on experience

Drexel environmental studies majors Lindsey Livingston and Amarize Findley

A Great Shell Milestone: Co-op students Lindsey Livingston (L) and Amarize Finley (R) –who both major in Environmental Studies– hard at work in the Malacology Imaging Center at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. 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

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.

A Day in the Life at the Academy of Natural Sciences' Ornithology Department

A co-op in the Academy of Natural Sciences' ornithology department has allowed environmental science major Abigail Del Grosso to explore her interest in birds. She shares her more about her experience in this Q&A.

Finding Empowerment as a First-Generation Student

Guest blogger Kaylee Wilson, a third-year sociology and global public health double major, shares her experience as a first-generation college student at Drexel.

Confronting the Effects of Coastal Climate Change

Throughout their co-op this spring and summer, environmental science major Kris Freyland worked with Beth Watson, PhD, associate professor of biodiversity, earth and environmental science and senior scientist at the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Patrick Center for Environmental Research, to study the impact of saltwater intrusion into coastal forests.

Exploring the 'Wild' Politics of Free-Roaming Horse Management

Things are getting wild in the West. Free-roaming horse populations have existed in western states for centuries, but the conflict surrounding them is entirely human. This conflict sparked the interest of Jen Britton, director for communications and special projects in the Office of University & Community Partnerships, and Christian Hunold, PhD, professor of politics.

Emma Hirt at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Bringing History to New Audiences

Senior global studies major Emma Hirt spent the spring and summer as a Programs Assistant Co-op at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, where she used social media to introduce the organization's work to a younger audience—and went viral in the process.