Co-op

Most Custom-Designed Majors (CSDN) participate in Drexel's outstanding co-op program.

Co-op, short for cooperative education, is a program that balances classroom theory with periods of practical, hands-on experience prior to graduation. Through Drexel's co-op program, CSDN students are able to alternate academic study with full-time employment, gaining valuable practical experience.

Drexel offers two co-op programs: the five-year program with three co-op experiences and the four-year program with one co-op experience. CSDN students choose which plan works best for them during the application process and build their academic plan accordingly. Drexel's Steinbright Career Development Center reviews CSDN students' Vision Statements and assigns a co-op advisor who best aligns with the student’s interests and industry. A student's co-op advisor works with them throughout their co-op job search and while on the job.

CSDN students have pursued co-op opportunities:

Internationally, working in Singapore, Greece, South Africa, Hong Kong, Germany, Equatorial Guinea, South Korea, and Zambia.
Nationally, working in New York, Florida, California, Rhode Island, Maryland, New Jersey, Kentucky, and Massachusetts.
Regionally, in the greater Philadelphia area as well as around the state of Pennsylvania.

Through a variety of co-op positions, students are able to explore different career paths. While some CSDN students are planning for a future in the lab, others are aiming for field experience. There are also opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.

73%

of CSDN students said they would return to their employer for a future co-op or full-time position

92%

of CSDN students said their co-op was relevant to their career objectives

92%

of CSDN students said their co-op met or exceeded their expectations

100%

of employers working with CSDN students said their student’s academic preparation met the needs of their organization

100%

of employers working with CSDN students said they would consider re-hiring the student for a future position if available

100%

of employers working with CSDN students rated their student's performance as "good" or "excellent"

From 2020-2021 Academic Year cooperative education evaluations

"Whether it was running to the local health policy committee in Zambia or teaching school children about the importance of grassroots-level government advocacy, I am able to clearly see how all my theory-based interdisciplinary classes integrated with my practical co-op experience. Everything from my studies in international policy, global development, and political science triangulated so beautifully to allow me to make an impact during my six-month co-op."

—Aditi Bawa, custom-designed major in STEM and public policy

"My Custom-Designed Major is Biological Security and Defense, which incorporates the fields of biology, data/information science, public health, and political science. Through CSDN, I was able to apply what I've learned during my studies to my dream co-op. Through my experience as a co-op student in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, I was able to gain fundamental critical skills in intelligence gathering, contingency planning and analysis. Additionally, I worked closely with both local and state agencies as well as other private sectors for preparation, recognition, and recovering for a multitude of events in the City of Philadelphia. I know that through CSDN and the opportunities this program provides its students, one day I will be able to work for a government agency focusing on securing and defending our nation from the threats we face."

—Dani Thomas, custom-designed major in biosecurity

Co-op Employers and Positions Held by CSDN Students
Employer Name	Job Title
10 Media	Digital Content Producer
5 Star Public Relations	Marketing Analyst Position
Academic Internship Council	Student Researcher
Academic Internship Council	Trainer Co-op
Academic Internship Council	Biomedical Engineering Co-op
Academy of Natural Sciences	History of Science Researcher
Academy of Natural Sciences	Archives Co-op
Akamai Technologies	Customer Support Co-op
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture	Program Assistant
AM Ambrosino Development and Management	Creative Assistant & Manager
Ambra BioScience LLC	Marketing
AnaOno	Digital Merchandising Co-op
AP Brand Group	Social Media & Talent and Athlete Management
Aramark	Premium Supervisor Citizens Bank Park
Ars Nova Workshop	Arts Management
Art Sphere Inc.	Art Teacher
Avantstay	Product Analytics Co-op
Axalta Coating Systems	Lab Technician Co-op
Baltz & Company	Publicity Intern
Balyasny Asset Management	Data Integrity Intern
Belmont Behavioral Hospital	Academic Behavioral Health Associate
Bioko Artisan's Collective	Policy Promotion & Research Assistant
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program	Outreach & Research Assistant
Bloomberg L.P.	Data Management Technologist
Blue Eye Clinic	Regional Patient Coordinator
Bluecadet Interactive	Interactive Developer
Bluefin Trading	Trading Assistant
Booz, Allen & Hamilton	Senior Threat Hunter
Boston Children's Hospital	Neonatal Neuroscience Intern
Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia	Oncology Focused Health Psychology Intern
CDM, Inc.	Water Resources Planning
Century Therapeutics	Translational Research Co-op
Change4aDollar	Educational Coach
Chemical Heritage Foundation	Research Assistant - "Sensing Change" Programatic Initiative
Chico Flax	Textiles Co-op
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Research Assistant - Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Biomedical Engineering Research Assistant
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Clinical Lab Assistant
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	International Medicine Co-op
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Assistant L-I Nursing Education Department Co-op
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Rehabilitation Medicine Co-op
Chondrial Therapeutics Inc.	Internship in Drug Discovery
CHUBB	Internal Auditor Co-op
Ciright	Business & Technology Co-op
Clocky	Broadcast Sales & E-Commerce
Comcast	Competitive Intelligence Analysis Co-op
Comcast	Tech Auditor Co-op
Comcast	Product Manager Co-op
Comcast	Data Quality Co-op
Comcast	Business Intelligence Analyst Co-op
Comcast	Comcast UX Designer Co-op
Connect 123	Film Production Co-op with Samson Films in Dublin, Ireland
Cooper University Hospital	Medical Scribe
Cooper University Hospital	Associate Nurse Practitioner
CrossFit	Public Health Research Assistant Co-op
Cruz Control Entertainment and Marketing	Brand Coordinator
Cultural Vistas	Research Co-op
DC Beane and Associates Construction Company	Field Engineer & Assistant Co-op
Dornsife Development Scholars: World Vision International	Dornsife Global Development Scholar
Dream Machine Creative	Director of Photography/Editor Apprentice
Drexel Smart House	Communications, Events, Student Management Co-op
Drexel University	Biomedical Sciences Summer Program Developer
Drexel University	Video Collaboration & Production Support Specialist
Drexel University	Art Director of The Smart Set
Drexel University	Research Co-op - Autonomous Vehicles and Risk Assessment
Drexel University	Human Computer Interaction Research Assistant & Developer
Drexel University	Marketing & Communications Video Production
Drexel University	Research Assistant - Promotional Materials and Archivist
Drexel University	CASTLE Media Specialist
Drexel University	Urban Ecologist
Drexel University	Mobile App Development for Medical Emergencies
Drexel University	Assistant Clinic Coordinator
Drexel University	International Marketing & Communications Co-op
Drexel University	Digital Fossil Reconstruction Internship
Drexel University	Branding Consultancy Research Assistant
Drexel University	Civil Innovation Assistant
Drexel University	ExCITe Center Assistant
Drexel University	Author Assistant
Drexel University	Sports Nutrition Intern
Drexel University	Curatorial Assistant for the Robert & Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection
Drexel University	Preventative Conservation Assistant
Drexel University	Global Classrooms Research
Drexel University	Climate Resources Assistant
Duane Morris LLP	Paralegal Assistant
Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District	Conservation Engineer
Ecole Normale Superieure de Paris	Research Internship - Microglia in Early Brain Development
Elm Three Corporation	Music Production & Management Assistant
eMoney	Software Engineer Co-op
ESM Productions	Production Drafter
EwingCole	Interior Designer Co-op
Excolo Construction Services	Construction Project Engineer
Exponent	Engineering Assistant Co-op
EY Intuitive	User Experience Researcher
Facebook	Product Design Intern
Factory PR	VIP + Influencer Team Co-op
Fantasy	Design Trainee
FEGS Health and Human Services	Center 4 Internship
FIRE	Program Assistant Co-op
FIRE	Development Assistant
Fort Washington Dental Lab	Dental Lab Technician
Gabriela Langone-Freelance Stylist	Stylist Co-op
GiantSky	Business Development & Social Media Manager
Global Career Center	Game Development Co-op
Global Development Scholars: World Vision International	Research & Program Assistant
Goldman, Sachs &Co.	Private Wealth Management Co-op
Good Shepherd Penn Partners	Co-op Nursing Assistant
goPuff	Video Production Co-op
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce	Web Design Co-op
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance	Social Media & Communications Specialist
Greensgrow Farm	Farm Intern
Group One Trading	Trading Analyst Intern
Hallmark K-9	Agriculture/Veterinary Science Co-op
Hearst Magazines	Assistant Fashion & eCommerce Editor - Seventeen Magazine
HIAS	Asylee Support
HireVergence	FireEye Engineer; Endpoint Detection
Ignition Arts, INC	Arts Fellow
Impact Soundworks	Software Architect
Impact Soundworks	Associate Developer
Janella Research Campus	Research in the Fitzgerald Lab
Janigian Retina Associates	Ophthalmic Technician
Jeff Riedel, Inc.	Photography Co-op
Joe Coffee	Community Development Coordinator Co-op
Johnson & Johnson	Large Molecule Drug Product Development Co-op
Johnson & Johnson	Technology Co-op
Joseph J. Peters Institute	Operations Assistant
JP Morgan Chase & Co	Technology Analyst Program
Julia Von Boehm	Fashion Styling Co-op
Keystone Pictures	Office & Field Production Assistant
Kieran Timberlake	Software Developer Co-op
L3Harris Technologies	Cybersecurity Co-op
Lankenau Institute for Medical Research	Research Technician
Lockheed Martin	Technical Specialist Co-op
Louisa Meng	Creative Assistant
Magee Rehabilitation Hospital	Wheelchair Sports Program Internship
Marchesa	Wholesale Sales Co-op
Materials Research Group, Inc.	Web Developer
Maxi Cohen Studio	Digital Marketing, Social Media and Publicity Co-op
Mediakraft	Video Editor
Merck	Global Scientific & Medical Publications Co-op
MicroSociety	Editor, Writer & Researcher
MicroSociety	Writer & Communications Specialist
Microsoft Corporation	Foundry Designer
MilkCrate	Communications Intern
MOD Worldwide	Front End Web Developer
Mundi Westport Group	Merchandising
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle	Research Co-op
National Board of Medical Examiners	Data Analyst
National Institute of Technology Raipur	Artificial Intelligence Intern
NBC Universal	Digital Intern
Night Kitchen Interactive	Unity Game Development Co-op
Nintendo of America	UX/UI Researcher
Noelker and Hull Associates, Inc.	Architect/Interior Design Co-op
OCM	Junior Merchandiser
Office of Councilman Allan Domb	Council Policy Intern
Opera Delaware	Arts Administration Intern
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg	Research Assistant
Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice	Web Content Creator for HIV Clinic
Paula Hian Designs	Marketing and Public Relations Co-op
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts	Marketing Associate
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts	Marketing Intern
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation	Policy Internship
People's Light Theater	Costume Design Co-op
Personalis	Software Quality Co-op
Pfizer	Security Analytics Analyst
Philadelphia Magazine	Foobooz Editorial Co-op
Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management	Homeland Security Fellow
Philadelphia Streets Department	Office of the Commissioner of Streets Co-op
Philadelphia Water Department	Communication & Outreach
Philadelphia Water Department	Office of Watersheds: Green Stormwater Infrastructure & Policy Unit
Philadelphia Zoo	Animal Experience Assistant
Philadelphia Zoo	Environmental Education & Animal Behavior
Point72	Summer Analyst
Press Here Publicity	Publicity Co-op
Princeton Brain and Spine Care	Clinical & Clerical Assistant
Publicis Health	Human Resources and Recruiting Coordinator
Put Nature Back	Project Manager
QVC	Advertising & Brand Production Internship
Rawle and Henderson	Legal Assistant
RCA Records	Artists & Repertoire Co-op
REC Philly	Agency Associate
Recovery Centers of America	Research Coordinator
RedCarpetRoxy.com	UX/UI Intern
Rhode Island Department of Health Center for Drinking Water	Public Health Scholar
Royal Tyrrell Museum	Laboratory & Field Research Assistant
Saint Bernard Group, LLC.	Campaign Fellowship
Scannapieco Development	Interior Design Project Manager
Security Risk Advisors	IT Security Consultant
Sharing Excess	Hunger-Relief Food Distribution Coordinator
Shift Design	Product Designer/Industrial Designer
Skai Blue Media	Public Relations & Communications Intern
Skyless Game Studios	Video Game Artist, 2D Graphics Specialty
Snackadabra	Production Manager
Spells Writing Center	Writing & Tutoring Center Programming Co-op
Spookmyung Women's University	Education Assistant
Stanford Inn by the Sea	Eco-Resort Co-op
Student Start-Up Co-op	Entrepreneurship Co-op
Sunoco, Inc.	Design Engineer Co-op
TerraCycle	Industrial Design Internship
The Clay Studio	Marketing and Development Assistant
The Franklin Institute	Research & Evaluation Assistant
Thomas Jefferson University	Research Assistant - Cognitive Testing Co-op
Thomas Jefferson University	Research Assistant - Modeling
University City Science Center	Arts Program Co-op
University of California, Los Angeles	Research/Intern
University of Pennsylvania	Multimedia Production Co-op for Penn Arts & Sciences
University of Pennsylvania	Research Specialist
University of Pennsylvania	Multi-Media Services
University of Pennsylvania	Clinical Research Assistant
Use All Five	Graphic Design Co-op
Valley Forge National Historic Park	Student Conservation Association Intern
Vanguard Group	Application Engineer
Venerable	Actuarial Co-op
Vidalakis Cretan Scholars Program	Research Co-op
Weaving Hand	Weaving Co-op
Webjunto	User Experience Design Internship
Willow Creek Farm Preserve	Regenerative Organic Farming Intern
Wyebrook Farm	Market Manager
ZDL Media	Social Media Marketing Intern

Subscribe here

Custom-Designed Majors & Co-op

CSDN students have pursued co-op opportunities:

Cooperative Education

Newsletter