What is Graduate Co-Op?
Drexel is world renowned for its co-operative education program. At the graduate level, the optional co-op is geared towards developing applied skillsets by bringing classroom learning into a professional environment while earning a Master’s degree. The work experience provides invaluable insights into industry or research as a profession, expands professional networks and builds your resume.
Graduate co-op is typically a three to six-month engagement with an employer. Students generally get paid for their work ranging from 20-40 hours per week. You will seek your position opportunities with the resources and connections available through our Steinbright Career Development Center.
Some program highlights include:
- Opportunity to earn money gain professional experience as an engineer
- Students may work in a lab to gain valuable research skills
- Most positions are paid, and most are full-time
- Average weekly pay is around $1098 per week
- International students - considered CPT and does not affect OPT
Examples of recent employers include Tesla, Inc. Janssen Research and Development, SEPTA, Dunmore International Corp, Black Knight Financial Services, Merck, Jaros Baum & Bolles, Philadelphia Water Department and many others.
Exposing the Possibilities with Graduate Co-op
Zoe Weiner, MS cybersecurity ’23, knew that she wanted a graduate program with real-world work experience in addition to classroom training.
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Energy Startup Co-op Fuels Quest for Knowledge, Offers Unexpected Benefits
Prithvi Ravi's graduate co-op program at the energy start-up, florrent, allowed him to make a direct impact on the company's direction to success.
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A Prepared Polished Professional with Graduate Co-Op
Joshua Gonzalez is taking full advantage of Drexel’s flexible materials science graduate program, getting professional experience through co-op and an internship.
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How does it work?
The Graduate co-op is available to full-time, on-campus students, with a Fall Term start, in one of the following MS programs:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Electrical Engineering
- Internet of Things
- Engineering Management
- Machine Learning
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics and Autonomy
A professional development training course is required, COOP 501, offered by the Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC). All students interested in co-op take this course in the fall of their first year. It includes professional development skills, resume writing, job searching and networking. The co-op experience is offered in the Summer or Fall to Winter terms. The co-op option for full-time students can be completed in 21 months.
| |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
| Year 1 |
9 credits |
9 credits |
9 credits |
0-6 credits |
| Year 2 |
Co-op / 3 credits |
Co-op / 3 credits |
9 credits |
|
SCDC maintains a database and recruiting system to facilitate students participating in co-op. Many graduate students also pursue their own target positions to achieve their specific career goals. Positions are not guaranteed.