Co-op and the Semester Calendar
Drexel is taking bold steps to transform our academic structures to fortify our position as a modern university for a modern world. We are reimagining the academic experience through transitioning to a semester calendar, launching a redesigned curriculum, and more to further reinforce our defining hallmark: an impactful experiential education.
Greater Alignment
Beginning in fall 2027, Drexel will transition to a semester calendar for all undergraduate and graduate programs. This move will offer a wide range of benefits for students — most significantly, it will allow them to engage in deeper, more immersive learning experiences. We are excited to see how this will enable deeper collaboration across our extensive network of academic and industry partners worldwide. Plus, under the semester calendar, co-op start and end dates will align more closely with industry hiring cycles, making it easier for employers to onboard and offboard students throughout the year.
In the end, the co-op process will remain the same for employers and the Drexel Co-op program will remain a cornerstone of the student experience, continuing to provide invaluable real-world learning opportunities. Following a one-time calendar transition (see more information in the FAQs below), co-ops will return to their standard 6-month duration. Fall co-ops will begin in July and go through the start of January, and Spring co-ops will begin in January and go through the start of July.
For employers: Please note that additional information will be forthcoming. Updates will be available here and sent via email as they develop.
Are You a Current Drexel Student Looking for More Information?
Select the link below to learn more on the Provost's website.
Co-op Employer FAQs
The summer 2027 transition from quarters to semesters requires some minor adjustment of the co-op cycles. As part of the one-time transition from quarters to semesters, the summer 2027 quarter will be seven weeks instead of 10 weeks, which will also shorten two co-op cycles.
- Spring/Summer 2026-2027 Co-op: About one month shorter, concluding August 20, 2027, rather than mid-September.
- Fall Semester 2027-2028 Co-op: About one month shorter, running from August 23, 2027 through the first week of January 2028.
After the transition period (beginning in the spring semester 2028), co-op will be 6 months in duration going forward.
Based on the feedback we have received from students and employers, Steinbright does not expect any changes to the recruitment process. We know students and employers value and benefit from the A, B, and C round processes as they are. The only changes to the process will be the dates. Co-op recruitment dates and processes will be aligned with the dates of Drexel’s new semester calendar.
Based on the feedback of employers and students, it was confirmed that the 6-month, back-to-back cycles are best in supporting employer talent needs and student contributions. Therefore, after the transitional period between August 2027 and January 2028, co-op cycles will continue to be 6 months in duration. They will, however, have new start and end dates.
- Students previously scheduled for a “Fall/Winter” co-op will begin Fall co-op at the start of July and end at the start of January.
- Students previously scheduled for a “Spring/Summer” co-op will begin Spring co-op at the start of January and end at the start of July.
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