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.

CSDN Co-op By the Numbers

From 2020-2021 Academic Year cooperative education evaluations

73%

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

100%

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

92%

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

100%

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

92%

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

100%

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

View Past Co-op Positions Held by CSDN Students

"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

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Custom-Designed Majors & Co-op

CSDN students have pursued co-op opportunities:

Cooperative Education

CSDN Co-op By the Numbers

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