Students can change between the Three Co-op (five years) and One Co-op (four years) Option until their second year at the University. Before starting classes, admitted students can email Undergraduate Admissions at enroll@drexel.edu to inquire about a co-op change. Once enrolled, students should contact their academic advisor to change their co-op plan. To learn more about the co-op plans available for specific majors, please visit Drexel's Course Catalog.

Students remain enrolled at the University as full-time students during their co-op terms, but they are not paying tuition during their co-op cycle. This means that whether students choose the four-year or five-year co-op curriculum, the tuition is the same.

Just like in any other job search, employers value students with more experience. Additionally, the Three Co-op (five years) Option gives students flexibility to try out a variety of different employer types, jobs, and professional opportunities to determine what the right fit career path is for them. Ultimately, it is up to the student to decide the type of experience they want, and which co-op option best aligns with their goals.

Students are supported by their co-op advisor throughout their entire search process. Although not common, some students may not find a co-op by the start of the term. If a student does not secure a position by the start of the term, they will enroll in a Strategic Career Planning and Development course while continuing to apply for co-op positions. Students will work closely with Steinbright staff to continue their job search and build on their professional skills including networking and interviewing, along with their resume and cover letter.

If a student chooses a co-op in the Philadelphia area, they can continue to live on campus in the residence halls or in Drexel-affiliated housing while they are working. If a student chooses to co-op farther away, students primarily are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation for co-op. Some co-op employer partners may provide housing as a part of the job. Other co-op employer partners may provide guidance to help find temporary housing close to their location. Students also can live with family or friends while on co-op if they have personal connections in the area.

Each year, roughly 200+ students go out to almost 50 countries around the world for co-op. International co-op is an exciting opportunity available for all students who are interested. If you have questions about international co-op, visit Steinbright Career Development Center's International Co-op FAQs.

Drexel does not require that students apply to co-op positions that are related to their major. Students can choose to co-op with employers that are unrelated to pursue a passion, work at a company that they believe in, explore a new area of study, or for a variety of other reasons. While it is not a requirement, most Drexel students will accept co-op positions connected to their major because it aligns with their interests and career goals.

Most Drexel students will work a similar schedule to their full-time counterparts at their employer. For most students, that means a full-time, 40-hour per week position. Students who accept unpaid co-ops typically work approximately 20 hours per week in their position so that they have time for an additional part-time job to supplement their income.

Students who are undecided on their major are eligible to participate in co-op. In addition to exploring majors in the classroom, co-op provides students with the opportunity to learn how different careers relate to their academics. This is another learning experience to help students identify their passions and choose an area of study that aligns with their goals after graduation. Some students also change their major after a co-op experience. Our First-Year Career Counseling team is here to guide and support undecided students as they explore their options and ensure they remain on track to meet their goals.

Students can co-op with over 1,500 business, industrial, governmental, research, and non-profit co-op employer partners. To learn more about opportunities for specific a college or school, please visit Steinbright's Co-op Fast Facts by College.