The cornerstone of Drexel’s career preparation model has been the University's cooperative education program. Introduced at Drexel in 1919 as one of the first models of its kind, the program has become integral to the University's educational experience. Through it, students alternate periods of study with periods of full-time professional employment, providing unrivaled, valuable professional experience.

The MLAS Practicum (MLAS 801S) is reflective of this longstanding mission of the University. Upon completion of the required coursework in the classroom, students will gain practical hands-on knowledge working with businesses, nonprofits and other organizations. The main goal of the practicum is to thoroughly prepare students to enter the laboratory animal science field. As a result of this experience, MLAS students graduate having already built a professional network and are positioned to become leaders in the field.

The practicum is scheduled for 12 weeks upon completion of (or during) the student’s final semester. Students are required to maintain a typical workweek as defined by the employer. The practicum focuses on four areas: laboratory animal care, facility management, veterinary care and research. The student is required to maintain a daily journal of their experiences for submission upon completion of the course.

Through the MLAS practicum:

• Students choose from more than 18 employers locally or conduct an independent search for an employer of their own.
• Students obtain positions with major corporations such as: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, GlaxoSmithKline, Jefferson University, Johnson & Johnson, Temple University, Merck, University of Pennsylvania and the Wistar Institute.
• Drexel's Steinbright Career Development Center provides students with invaluable resources, including career counseling, workshops, career fairs, résumé reviews and interview preparation.
• Students are entrusted with projects vital to the day-to-day functioning of the workplace.
• The majority of MLAS practicums are paid, while those that are unpaid still provide invaluable knowledge and access to these prestigious institutions.