20,000
Average for 6-month engineering co-op
98
Average co-op employment rate
73
National & international co-ops in 2020–21
Drexel is known for its experiential education, and most prominently, its co-op program. Co-op is an advantage because it enables you to gain perspective on what it means to be an engineer, gain perspective on how they work and an understanding of the facets of the many specializations you have to choose from. You will bring experience back to your classroom with a new understanding of the theory earned from the practical, hands-on experience – all prior to graduation.
Students alternate classes with full-time employment through University-approved employers. Generally, students are on co-op for a six-month period, alternating with six months of classroom study. Most students choose the 5-year, 3 co-op option, which allows them to try several options – from large organizations to small consulting firms, or research to field work. Majors like Construction Management have some unique experiences. Learn more about them.
The burgeoning global market by provides students with the opportunity to gain experience with an international co-op. Many students choose to get the experience go abroad for their co-op, developing cross-cultural skills and an understanding of our increasingly global society.
For more information, please visit the Steinbright Career Development Center, which is responsible for coordinating the university’s co-op program.
Learn More about Graduate Programs Co-Op
Drexel Engineering Co-ops
2/14/2023 12:00:00 AM
Toby Pham has made sure that his co-op experiences take advantage of the diversity of opportunities in his mechanical engineering major.
1/31/2023 12:00:00 AM
Luis Lu found a co-op experience that gave him a variety of tasks and affirmed his choice of major as a mechanical engineer.
1/17/2023 12:00:00 AM
Santiago Sosa wanted a co-op that would push him out of his comfort zone, but also one that would help him stoke his passion for engineering. He found both at Lockheed Martin.
11/23/2022 12:00:00 AM
Joy Olufemi is making sure that her experiences in and away from the classroom shape her future as a mechanical engineer.
9/20/2022 1:09:49 PM
Zoe Weiner, MS cybersecurity ’23, knew that she wanted a graduate program with real-world work experience in addition to classroom training.
6/21/2022 2:45:55 PM
Caroline Walwyn’s curiosity about how structures take shape led her to a co-op at Bancroft Construction, assisting on-site at a major renovation and addition project.
6/7/2022 8:53:10 AM
Construction management senior Imisioluwa Ademoyo spent her final co-op as a field engineer for Turner Construction.
5/24/2022 1:22:35 PM
Moustafa Agag has always had a passion for problem solving and improving people’s lives. His co-op at Johnson & Johnson is letting him do just that.
4/18/2022 10:05:00 AM
Photo contest winner and engineering major Joylin Jeffries traveled overseas during a break from her co-op.
3/28/2022 2:46:25 PM
After a detail-oriented co-op at Estee Lauder, Mansi Patel returns to class ready to hit the ground running.
2/1/2022 10:56:57 AM
Joshua Gonzalez is taking full advantage of Drexel’s flexible materials science graduate program, getting professional experience through co-op and an internship.
1/31/2022 4:25:04 PM
Her appreciation for outdoor spaces led Taylor LaFountain to a co-op with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
10/5/2021 11:59:36 AM
Cyra Gallano used what she learned on Market Street to secure a co-op at an MIT research lab.
9/8/2021 11:36:10 AM
As an employee of global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi, Anh Mai learned valuable skills that she’ll bring to her future career.
9/7/2021 4:43:33 PM
Benjamin Mellema found an ideal co-op partner and used his hands-on work experience to find a new application for his specialty.
7/15/2021 3:30:13 PM
Julia McCree has found the right co-op for her at one of the country’s largest transportation providers.
7/14/2021 11:47:00 AM
Bryan O’Toole, Meghan Wickersham and Daniel Inglis have found the same employer for their co-ops, but it’s helping each of them achieve a different goal.
7/13/2021 11:28:00 AM
Materials science and engineering major Brennan Coleman is using his co-op experience to expand on research he has already done on campus.
11/11/2020 9:50:10 AM
A co-op at Merck is giving three students an inside look at the long road that vaccines take from conception to patient delivery.
11/10/2020 11:12:27 AM
Brendan Tyrell, a second year mechanical engineering student, is spending his first co-op experience working with a company that hopes to protect millions of elderly people from falls.
10/28/2020 3:38:12 PM
Drexel Engineering students Shannon Simcox and Samuel Vaughan are learning how the Pennsylvania company creates their signature products.
8/4/2020 9:47:40 AM
Computer Engineering student Jui Hanamshet returns to Microsoft Corporation with a work experience turned remote.
8/3/2020 4:35:41 PM
Mechanical Engineering student Sarah Clancy begins her co-op experience launching rockets as an essential employee with Safran Aerospace.
8/4/2020 8:43:34 AM
Mechanical Engineering student Justin Lee channels his passion for automotive racing at BMW’s Open Innovation Department.
7/20/2020 10:46:00 AM
Things have changed in the workplace for many, but work is still needed and the insights are real.
6/9/2020 5:44:40 PM
Environmental engineering senior Marina D’Souza discusses cross-cultural encounters during her time in the Drexel co-op program.
4/15/2020 4:44:16 PM
A student in the peace engineering program talks about her experience in Engineers Without Borders.
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