Graduate Co-op

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 fulltime
• 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.

Graduate co-op is available to full-time on-campus master's-level students enrolled to start in the Fall term in one of the following programs:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Electrical Engineering
• Internet of Things
• Engineering Management
• Machine Learning
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nanomaterials
• 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.  Currently the co-op experience is only offered in the Summer and Fall terms. The co-op option for full-time students can be completed in 21 months.

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.