Co-operative Education

Overview

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

At Northeastern University Canada, co-op is a form of experiential learning delivered in partnership with the student, 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 academic program.

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

Benefits of Co-op:

  • Students gain relevant industry experience prior to graduation
  • Students build a strong professional network within their chosen field
  • Classroom knowledge is applied to real-world challenges
  • Workplace skills and professional behaviors are developed through hands-on experience
  • Resumes are strengthened and overall marketability to future employers is enhanced
  • Career paths and work environments are explored to inform future decisions

What’s the difference between co-op and an internship?

Employers often use the terms “co-op” and “internship” interchangeably, which can be confusing:

  • An internship is a work experience that is taken outside a student’s academic program
  • Co-op is part of a student’s academic program
  • An internship can be considered a co-op if it meets co-op requirements and is approved by a student’s co-op advisor

Employers may consider both current students and recent graduates for internship roles. Hiring processes and requirements can vary between co-op and internship positions depending on the employer. Co-op advisors are available to support students in navigating these differences.

The Co-op Program Journeys

Navigating Your Path to Success

All students will engage in various ways before, during, and after a co-op term in the sequence below:

Prep Term(s)

In the early stages of the program, students focus on preparing for their co-op job search but are not yet eligible to apply for positions. During this time, it is important to explore the co-op program in depth, review eligibility criteria and policies, and attend information sessions when invited by a co-op advisor. By the end of the preparation term(s), students are expected to have strengthened their resume and developed key job search skills.

Work Term(s)

Once a student has secured a co-op position—congratulations on landing an offer!—they are enrolled in a co-op course with the university and are considered a full-time student. Throughout the work term, the co-op advisor provides support for the student’s learning, reflection, and well-being.

Recruitment Term(s)

Students will be notified by their co-op advisor before reaching their recruitment term to allow for early planning. Since jobs are typically posted about four months before the start date, this period is dedicated to networking, meeting recruiters, and submitting applications. As part of the preparation process, students are required to declare their intention to participate by submitting the Intention to Participate in Co-op form when prompted by their advisor.

Post-Work Term

After completing the work term, students resume their academic studies and are encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained on the job to their coursework.

Eligibility and Preparation Process

College-Specific Requirements and Preparation

Khoury College of Computer Science

Eligibility Requirements
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA until the co-op work term begins
  • Credit hour requirements
    • MSCS Direct Entry: 16 credit hours from core requirements, breadth areas, or electives
    • MSCS Align: 16 credit hours with one Align Bridge course (CS 5004/5005) counting toward standard program requirements
Timeline
  • Students can complete up to 8 months total of co-op work terms (either as one 8-month term or two 4-month terms)
  • Your co-op advisor will notify you when you’re eligible to begin searching for positions
  • Jobs are typically posted 4 months before the intended start date
Preparation Process
  • Attend Intro to Co-op sessions to understand program-specific requirements
  • Meet with your co-op advisor to create a personalized preparation plan
  • Begin updating your resume and LinkedIn profile early in your program

College of Professional Studies (CPS)

Eligibility Requirements
  • Complete 3 quarters of full-time study (27 credit hours) by the beginning of your co-op term, in addition to the first DGM Connect term.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Successfully pass INT 6200 (Experiential Project Prep)
  • Complete the campus Interest in Co-op form and Recruitment Term Planning Appointment (RTPA) when prompted by your co-op advisor
Preparation Process

Required Preparation Course: INT 6200 INT 6200 (Experiential Project Preparation) is a required 1-credit course designed to help CPS students navigate the job search process and prepare for professional experiential learning opportunities. The course introduces essential job search skills and offers career development through discussions, guided activities, and resources.

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 to take INT 6200
  • Take in your first or second quarters of the program (second quarter recommended)
  • Discuss timing with your Academic Advisor early in the program
Benefits of completing INT 6200
  • Gain access to apply for jobs through the NUworks job board
  • Fulfill a prerequisite for graduate XN co-curricular experiences
  • Develop essential job search and professional skills
Timeline
  • Students typically complete one 3 or 6-month co-op
  • Declare your intention to participate in co-op when prompted by your advisor
  • Begin your co-op search after completing INT 6200

College of Engineering (COE)

Eligibility Requirements
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Full-time enrollment each semester prior to co-op
  • No more than one repeated course
  • No current academic probation or disciplinary issues
  • Completed a minimum of 8 credits and enrolled in a minimum of 8 credits (completing 16 credits by the start of co-op)
  • Must have at least one 4-credit required course remaining following co-op
  • Maximum of 30 credit hours (attempted, completed, and enrolled)
  • Complete or be enrolled in ENCP 6000/6100 (or obtain a waiver)
Preparation Process

Required Preparation Course: ENCP 6000/6100 ENCP 6100 and ENCP 6000 provide engineering students with information, tools, and skills

Course topics include
  • Developing field/industry-specific job search documents
  • Defining and communicating personal brand
  • Ethics and professional behaviors
  • Workplace culture
  • Interviewing techniques
Waiver options
  • ENCP 6100: Students with significant prior U.S.-based work experience or equivalent coursework may apply for a waiver
  • ENCP 6000: Students who have taken an equivalent course may apply for a waiver
Timeline
  • Your co-op advisor will notify you about your eligibility timeframe
  • Attend departmental info sessions for specific engineering discipline timelines
  • Begin preparing application materials at least one semester before your intended co-op term

College of Science (COS)

Eligibility Requirements
  • Complete full-time study and 16 credit hours by the beginning of your co-op term
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Complete the campus Intention to Participate in Co-op form when prompted by your co-op advisor
  • Complete EESC 6500 (Preparing for Experiential Learning)
  • Job must be full-time (35+ hours per week), paid, and 4, 8, or 12 months in duration
Required Preparation Course

Required Preparation Course: EESC 6500 (Preparing for Experiential Learning) provides science students with the tools needed for successful co-op experiences.

Timeline
  • Submit your Intention to Participate form when prompted by your co-op advisor
  • Complete EESC 6500 before your recruitment term begins
  • Begin your job search approximately 4 months before your intended start date

College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD)

Eligibility Requirements
  • Complete 2 consecutive semesters of full-time study before the beginning of your co-op term
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Complete the campus Interest in Co-op form when prompted by your co-op advisor
  • Job must be either full-time (30 – 40 hours per week) or part-time (16 – 29 hours per week), paid, and 4 months in duration
Intro to Co-op Sessions

All colleges hold regular Intro to Co-op information sessions to help students understand:

  • Co-op policies specific to their program
  • 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.

Timeline
  • Meet with your co-op advisor in your first semester to discuss planning
  • Submit your Interest in Co-op form when prompted
  • Begin portfolio development early in your program

Work Term Information

Recruitment Process

Preparation Phase:

  • Complete required co-op preparation courses for your college
  • Develop and refine your resume and cover letter
  • Practice interview skills
  • Attend networking events and career workshops

Application Phase:

  • Access NUworks job board after meeting eligibility requirements
  • Research companies and opportunities
  • Apply to positions that match your skills and interests
  • Follow up on applications professionally

Interview Phase:

  • Prepare for interviews by researching companies
  • Participate in interviews (may include multiple rounds)
  • Send thank-you notes after interviews
  • Consider offers carefully with guidance from your co-op advisor

Acceptance Phase:

  • Reneging on a job offer is considered a breach of contract and may result in removal from the co-op program
  • Consult with your co-op advisor before accepting any offer
  • Once you’ve accepted a position (verbally or in writing), this is considered a binding agreement
During Your Co-op Term
  • Students may take a maximum of 1 course during their co-op work term if they have a 3.5 GPA or higher (Khoury College)
  • Students cannot take their Capstone course during a co-op work term
  • Working as a Teaching Assistant, Career Peer Advisor, or other on-campus job during a co-op work term is not permitted
  • Students cannot end a co-op early or quit a job unless under special circumstances and with co-op advisor approval
Additional Co-op Policies
  • Maximum Duration: Students in Khoury College are allowed a maximum of 8 months total of co-op work terms within their academic program
  • Back-to-Back Co-ops: Students must not disrupt academic studies for more than eight consecutive months; special course requirements apply for back-to-back co-ops
  • Co-op After LOA: Going on co-op immediately following a leave of absence is not permitted

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.
  • Ensure that the co-op or internship is an essential and certified part of the academic program, and does not exceed 50% of the total program of study.

Maintain Immigration Status

  • Remain enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution.
  • Comply with all conditions of the study permit and co-op work permit, including restrictions on the type and location of employment.
  • Maintain a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) if working in Canada.

Seek Guidance

  • Consult with a co-op advisor and 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 and other relevant campus offices.

International students are encouraged to stay informed about the latest updates to Canadian immigration and work permit policies to ensure eligibility for co-op and post-graduation work opportunities.