Co-operative Education

Overview

Co-operative education (co-op) is a cornerstone of Northeastern University’s experiential learning approach, offering full-time, paid work experiences directly related to your field of study. This immersive program positions you not just for a job, but for long-term career success.

At Northeastern University in Canada, co-op is a form of experiential learning delivered in partnership with you, the employer, and the institution. It is designed to enhance your academic experience through intentional, goal-oriented, and reflective learning that becomes part of your program.

Important: Co-op is NOT a placement program. Co-op is highly competitive, where you search for, apply to, and interview for your own jobs. The Career Development and Experiential Learning team is here to support you throughout this process with highly customized and industry-focused guidance.

Only full-time students are eligible for co-op. Students must also be enrolled in an on-ground program.

Benefits of Co-op:

  • Real Professional Experience: Work full-time at leading companies in your field
  • Earn While You Learn: Receive competitive compensation during work terms
  • Discover Your Path: Explore career options and find your passion
  • Competitive Advantage: Graduate with experience employers value

What’s the Difference Between Co-op and an Internship?

Employers sometimes use the terms “co-op” and “internship” interchangeably in job descriptions, which can be confusing.

  • An internship is experience that is pursued outside your academic program, while co-op is part of your academic program
  • Employers may consider both current students and recent graduates for internship roles, while co-op roles are only available for current students

An internship can be considered a co-op if it meets co-op job requirements and is approved by your co-op advisor. Hiring processes and requirements can vary depending on the employer, but co-op advisors are available to support you in navigating these differences.

The Co-op Journey

Prep term(s)

  • You will first be introduced to co-op in your college orientation and your co-op advisor’s class visit early in your program
  • Submit the Interest in Co-op form when it is sent by your co-op advisor. This is required in order to be eligible for co-op, and everyone should submit it regardless of current interest – you can change your interest at any time!
  • Update your resume and other application documents, learn about job search strategies, and get involved in extracurricular activities
  • Attend workshops and events, both on- and off-campus
  • Meet with a Career Peer Advisor (CPA) by appointment or drop-in, to guide you through all of the steps above
  • If you have a co-op prep course requirement, you must pass it during your prep term – check your program-specific eligibility requirements below
  • Make sure you have a valid co-op work permit if you are an international student

Recruitment term(s)

  • Your co-op advisor will invite you to a Recruitment Term Planning Appointment (RTPA) to help you create a personalized search strategy, as well as understand co-op policies and your eligibility timeline
  • Begin applying for positions as soon as you are eligible (after your RTPA!) and treat your job search like a full-time commitment. Remember, the co-op job search can be challenging, and most students will apply to many positions before hearing back from any employer
  • Complete the Recruitment Term Pulse Check form when instructed by your co-op advisor, twice throughout each recruitment term
  • Continue to refine your application materials, job search strategy, and explore opportunities to network with employers both on and off campus
  • If you receive an offer, connect with your co-op advisor before accepting it. Your advisor must approve all co-op positions to ensure you meet program requirements, and will walk you through that process accordingly

Work term(s)

  • Congratulations! You’re about to begin your co-op!
  • Complete the required Mid-Work Term Check-In and Final Work Term Evaluation forms when prompted
  • Participate in all required reflection activities as part of your co-op learning experience
  • Check your NU email regularly so you do not miss important updates from your co-op advisor

Post-work term(s)

  • After completing the work term, you will resume your studies, where you’ll have chances to apply the knowledge and skills gained on the job to your coursework as you prepare for post-graduation job search

Co-op options

Full-time co-op

  • 30 – 40 hours per week
  • You can only take a maximum of 1 course while on a full-time co-op term

Part-time internship

  • 16 – 29 hours per week
  • You must take 1 course while on a part-time internship term

Non-global co-op

  • Co-op opportunities anywhere within Canada that meet all job requirements below
  • International students must have a current and valid co-op work permit that does not expire before the end of the intended co-op term

Global co-op

  • Co-op opportunities outside Canada that meet all job requirements below
  • You are solely responsible for ensuring work authorization and timely approval
  • International students are encouraged to connect with the Office of Global Services (OGS) first to understand all possible considerations and implications of pursuing a global co-op on immigration

Intro to Co-op Sessions

All co-op advisors hold an Intro to Co-op session to help new students understand:

  • Co-op policies specific to your program
  • Anticipated timelines for preparation and application
  • The job search process
  • Professional expectations
  • Resources available to support your co-op journey

If you miss your scheduled Intro to Co-op session, recordings and slides are typically made available afterward. Note that timelines presented in these sessions are cohort-specific.

Eligibility and Preparation Process

Khoury College of Computer Science

Preparation Process

Refer to the “Co-op Program Journeys: Prep Term(s)” section for preparation instructions

Student Eligibility Requirements
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • On track to complete 16 credit hours of standard program requirements before starting co-op
    • This does not include CS 5001, CS 5002, or CS 5008 for MSCS Align students
  • You will be returning to classes after co-op (i.e. co-op cannot be completed during your last term in the program)
  • Going on co-op immediately following a leave of absence (LOA) is not permitted

Back-to-Back Co-op Terms

  • For two consecutive co-op work terms spanning Fall and Spring, students must take a full course load during the following Summer
  • Spring co-op followed by Fall co-op is also considered consecutive, requiring summer courses in between

Coursework During Co-op

  • Students with a 3.5 GPA or higher may take a maximum of 1 course during their co-op work term
  • Capstone cannot be taken during a co-op work term

Professional Conduct Requirements

  • Students must notify their co-op advisor of an offer before accepting it
  • Accepting an offer (verbally or in writing) is considered a binding agreement, and students cannot renege on this agreement
  • Students are not permitted to end a co-op early unless in extenuating circumstances with co-op advisor approval 
Job Eligibility Requirements

To be enrolled in the Co-op Work Experience course, the co-op job must meet the following criteria.

  • Maximum of 8 months (2 terms) total, unless otherwise specified
  • Start no later than the course add/drop deadline for that term
  • The start & end dates of the job align with either 1 or 2 terms
  • Students will receive more exact timeline options during their RTPA

Additional Employment Restrictions

  • Working as a Teaching Assistant, Career Peer Advisor, or other on-campus job is not permitted during a co-op work term
  • You are hired as an employee of the company and not a contractor or self-employed
  • The job is paid in accordance with minimum wage standards defined by local legislation
  • Equity-based payments are not accepted for co-op

College of Professional Studies (CPS)

Preparation Process

Refer to the “Co-op Program Journeys: Prep Term(s)” section for general preparation instructions

Required Preparation Course: INT 6200 (Experiential Project Preparation) is a 1-credit course designed to help CPS students navigate the job search process and prepare for professional experiential learning opportunities

Course modules include:
  • Skills, Values, and Interests
  • Designing Career Application Materials
  • Personal Branding and Networking
  • Interview Preparation and Follow-up
  • Employer Expectations and Professional Behaviors
  • Developing an Experiential Learning Search Plan
When should I take INT 6200, and how can I enroll?
  • You should take INT 6200 in your first or second term of the program (second term is recommended), during your “prep terms”. 
  • Be sure to discuss the timing of taking INT 6200 with your academic advisor early in the program to ensure it fits well with your academic and co-op plan.
What if I am already confident with my job search skills or took a similar prep course before at another school?
  • If you believe you already possess the job search skills covered in INT 6200 AND have previous full-time professional experience, you may be eligible for a waiver. The waiver process requires you to demonstrate your proficiency in areas such as resume writing, interviewing, and more.
  • Students who passed similar prep courses previously may also be eligible for a waiver.
  • To access the waiver request form, please email your co-op advisor. Please note that the waiver request can only be made in the first term of the program.
Student Eligibility Requirements
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • On track to complete 27 credit hours of standard program requirements before starting co-op
    • This does not include DGM 6105, DGM 6108, DGM 6109, or DGM DGM 6501 for Digital Media Connect students
  • You will be returning to classes after co-op (i.e. co-op cannot be completed during your last term in the program)
  • Going on co-op immediately following a leave of absence (LOA) is not permitted

Co-op Prep Course

  • Successfully pass INT 6200 (Experiential Project Prep) in one of your prep terms

Coursework During Co-op

  • Students may take a maximum of 1 course during their co-op work term

Professional Conduct Requirements

  • Students must notify their co-op advisor of an offer before accepting it
  • Accepting an offer (verbally or in writing) is considered a binding agreement, and students cannot renege on this agreement
  • Students are not permitted to end a co-op early unless in extenuating circumstances with co-op advisor approval
Job Eligibility Requirements

To be enrolled in the Co-op Work Experience course, the co-op job must meet the following criteria.

  • Maximum of 8 months (2 terms) total, unless otherwise specified
  • Start no later than the course add/drop deadline for that term
  • The start & end dates of the job align with either 1 or 2 terms
  • Students will receive more exact timeline options during their RTPA

Additional Employment Restrictions

  • Working as a Teaching Assistant, Career Peer Advisor, or other on-campus job is not permitted during a co-op work term
  • You are hired as an employee of the company and not a contractor or self-employed
  • The job is paid in accordance with minimum wage standards defined by local legislation
  • Equity-based payments are not accepted for co-op

College of Engineering (COE)

Preparation Process

Refer to the “Co-op Program Journeys: Prep Term(s)” section for general preparation instructions

Required Preparation Course: ENCP 6000 (Career Management for Engineers) OR ENCP 6100 (Introduction to Co-op) provide engineering students with information, tools, and skills for co-op job search. Your academic and co-op advisors will be able to help you decide which course to take.

Course topics include:
  • Developing field/industry-specific job search documents
  • Defining and communicating personal brand
  • Ethics and professional behaviors
  • Workplace culture
  • Interviewing techniques
When should I take ENCP 6000/6100?
  • You should take ENCP 6000/6100 in your first or second term of the program (second term is recommended), during your “prep terms”. 
  • Be sure to discuss the timing of taking the course with your academic advisor early in the program to ensure it fits well with your academic and co-op plan.
What if I am already confident with my job search skills or took a similar prep course before at another school?
  • If you believe you already possess the job search skills covered in ENCP 6000/6100 AND have previous full-time professional experience, you may be eligible for a waiver. The waiver process requires you to demonstrate your proficiency in areas such as resume writing, interviewing, and more.
  • Students who passed similar prep courses previously may also be eligible for a waiver.
  • To request the waiver, please email your co-op advisor. Please note that the waiver request can only be made in the first term of the program.
Student Eligibility Requirements
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • On track to complete 16 credit hours of standard program requirements before starting co-op
  • You will be returning to classes after co-op (i.e. co-op cannot be completed during your last term in the program)
  • Going on co-op immediately following a leave of absence (LOA) is not permitted

Co-op Prep Course

  • Successfully pass ENCP 6000 (Career Management for Engineers) OR ENCP 6100 (Introduction to Co-op) in one of your prep terms

Back-to-Back Co-op Terms

  • For two consecutive co-op work terms spanning Fall and Spring, students must take a full course load during the following Summer
  • Spring co-op followed by Fall co-op is also considered consecutive, requiring summer courses in between

Coursework During Co-op

  • Students with a 3.5 GPA or higher may take a maximum of 1 course during their co-op work term
  • Capstone cannot be taken during a co-op work term

Professional Conduct Requirements

  • Students must notify their co-op advisor of an offer before accepting it
  • Accepting an offer (verbally or in writing) is considered a binding agreement, and students cannot renege on this agreement
  • Students are not permitted to end a co-op early unless in extenuating circumstances with co-op advisor approval
Job Eligibility Requirements

To be enrolled in the Co-op Work Experience course, the co-op job must meet the following criteria.

  • Maximum of 8 months (2 terms) total, unless otherwise specified
  • Start no later than the course add/drop deadline for that term
  • The start & end dates of the job align with either 1 or 2 terms
  • Students will receive more exact timeline options during their RTPA

Additional Employment Restrictions

  • Working as a Teaching Assistant, Career Peer Advisor, or other on-campus job is not permitted during a co-op work term
  • You are hired as an employee of the company and not a contractor or self-employed
  • The job is paid in accordance with minimum wage standards defined by local legislation
  • Equity-based payments are not accepted for co-op

College of Science (COS)

Preparation Process

Refer to the “Co-op Program Journeys: Prep Term(s)” section for general preparation instructions

Required Preparation Course: EESC 6500 (Preparing for Experiential Learning) provides students with the tools needed for co-op job search

Course modules include:
  • Skills, Values, and Interests
  • Designing Career Application Materials
  • Personal Branding and Networking
  • Interview Preparation and Follow-up
  • Employer Expectations and Professional Behaviors
  • Developing an Experiential Learning Search Plan
When should I take EESC 6500, and how can I enroll?
  • You should take EESC 6500 in your first or second term of the program (second term is recommended), during your “prep terms”. 
  • Be sure to discuss the timing of taking EESC 6500 with your academic advisor early in the program to ensure it fits well with your academic and co-op plan.
What if I am already confident with my job search skills or took a similar prep course before at another school?
  • If you believe you already possess the job search skills covered in EESC 6500 AND have previous full-time professional experience, you may be eligible for a waiver. The waiver process requires you to demonstrate your proficiency in areas such as resume writing, interviewing, and more.
  • Students who passed similar prep courses previously may also be eligible for a waiver.
  • To access the waiver request form, please email your co-op advisor. Please note that the waiver request can only be made in the first term of the program.
Student Eligibility Requirements
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • On track to complete 16 credit hours of standard program requirements before starting co-op
  • You will be returning to classes after co-op (i.e. co-op cannot be completed during your last term in the program)
  • Going on co-op immediately following a leave of absence (LOA) is not permitted

Co-op Prep Course

  • Successfully pass EESC 6500 (Preparing for Experiential Learning) in one of your prep terms

Back-to-Back Co-op Terms

  • For two consecutive co-op work terms spanning Fall and Spring, students must take a full course load during the following Summer
  • Spring co-op followed by Fall co-op is also considered consecutive, requiring summer courses in between

Coursework During Co-op

  • Students may take a maximum of 1 course during their co-op work term

Professional Conduct Requirements

  • Students must notify their co-op advisor of an offer before accepting it
  • Accepting an offer (verbally or in writing) is considered a binding agreement, and students cannot renege on this agreement
  • Students are not permitted to end a co-op early unless in extenuating circumstances with co-op advisor approval
Job Eligibility Requirements

To be enrolled in the Co-op Work Experience course, the co-op job must meet the following criteria.

  • Maximum of 8 months (2 terms) total, unless otherwise specified
  • Start no later than the course add/drop deadline for that term
  • The start & end dates of the job align with either 1 or 2 terms
  • Students will receive more exact timeline options during their RTPA

Additional Employment Restrictions

  • Working as a Teaching Assistant, Career Peer Advisor, or other on-campus job is not permitted during a co-op work term
  • You are hired as an employee of the company and not a contractor or self-employed
  • The job is paid in accordance with minimum wage standards defined by local legislation
  • Equity-based payments are not accepted for co-op

College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD)

Preparation Process

Refer to the “Co-op Program Journeys: Prep Term(s)” section for general preparation instructions

Student Eligibility Requirements
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Be on track to complete 16 credit hours of standard program requirements before starting co-op
  • You will be returning to classes after co-op (i.e. co-op cannot be completed during your last term in the program)
  • Going on co-op following a leave of absence (LOA) is not permitted

Back-to-Back Co-op Terms

  • Due to limited course selection in Vancouver, students can only do one term (four months) of co-op

Coursework During Co-op

  • Due to limited course selection in Vancouver, students cannot take any courses during a co-op term

Professional Conduct Requirements

  • Students must notify their co-op advisor of an offer before accepting it
  • Accepting an offer (verbally or in writing) is considered a binding agreement, and students cannot renege on this agreement
  • Students are not permitted to end a co-op early unless in extenuating circumstances with co-op advisor approval 
Job Eligibility Requirements

To be enrolled in the Co-op Work Experience course, the co-op job must meet the following criteria.

  • Maximum of 4 months (1 term) total, unless otherwise specified
  • Start no later than the course add/drop deadline for that term
  • The start & end dates of the job align with the term
  • Students will receive more exact timeline options during their RTPA

Additional Employment Restrictions

  • Working as a Teaching Assistant, Career Peer Advisor, or other on-campus jobs is not permitted during a co-op work term
  • You are hired as an employee of the company and not a contractor or self-employed
  • The job is paid in accordance with minimum wage standards defined by local legislation
  • Equity-based payments are not accepted for co-op

International Students

International students interested in participating in co-op must:

Understand Visa requirements

  • Hold a valid study permit throughout the co-op term
  • Obtain a co-op work permit before beginning any co-op placement. The co-op work permit must not expire before the end of the intended co-op term

Maintain immigration status

  • Comply with all conditions of the study permit and co-op work permit, including restrictions on the location of employment
  • Maintain a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) if working in Canada

Seek guidance

  • Consult with the Office of Global Services (OGS) early in the program to understand all requirements and timelines for co-op participation
  • Attend information sessions or workshops related to working in Canada, as offered by OGS