Co-op FAQs
Seats for this class are first come, first serve. You may join a waitlist through the registration system in case additional space becomes available. If you do not get into the class in your first semester it is ok to wait until your next semester. It is your responsibility to register as soon as registration is open to ensure you gain access to the class. Contact your department with any specific questions.
If you are not approved to search, you cannot apply for any positions. After you have completed the Intent to Co-op process, received written approval, and met with your assigned co-op coordinator, you can begin your co-op search. Remember, you may not search for, apply to, or interview for any co-op/internship positions before receiving written approval. Review the co-op requirements at our website.
GPAs may not be rounded (meaning a 3.16 does not meet the eligibility requirements).
We will accept the scores that were submitted when applying to Northeastern University. You do not need to submit new scores if they are expiring or expired.
- If you do not meet the minimum language requirement for co-op you should (re)take one of the eligible language assessments (Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or IELTS) and submit the updated score through the Intent to Co-op process.
- If you are an MIE student, you may choose to enroll in MEIE 6800. If you pass this course, and the co-op language waiver that is administered at the end of the course, you can gain a co-op language waiver. Note: This waiver will only be available for the Intent to Co-op process following the completion of the course. By enrolling in this course, it does not guarantee you will receive the co-op language waiver.
No. You should plan to take the language assessment prior to the deadline of the Intent to Co-op so you can submit the result at the time of the deadline.
Please speak with your assigned co-op coordinator and/or OGS campus representative to determine if global co-op will be an option for you.
After you have completed the Intent to Co-op process, received written approval, and met with your assigned co-op coordinator, you can begin your co-op search. Remember, you may not search for, apply to, or interview for any co-op/internship positions before receiving written approval. Review the co-op requirements at this site.
No. If you are not approved to search, you cannot apply for any positions. After you have completed the Intent to Co-op process, received written approval, and met with your assigned co-op coordinator, you can search for positions within and external to NUworks. Remember, you may not search for, apply to, or interview for any co-op/internship positions before receiving written approval. Review the co-op requirements at this site.
No. If you are not approved to search, you cannot apply for any positions. After you have completed the Intent to Co-op process, received written approval, and met with your assigned co-op coordinator, you can begin your co-op search. Remember, you may not search for, apply to, or interview for any co-op/internship positions before receiving written approval. Review the co-op requirements at this site.
No. You must have met the English-proficiency requirements by the “Intent to Co-op” form due date.
You cannot complete a co-op if you are not approved through the Intent to Co-op process. You can explore other work options by speaking with OGS about pre-OPT.
No. If you break the policy and apply to roles when you are not eligible you will never be permitted to accept the role or work for that employer, and you jeopardize your ability to pursue a co-op at all. Northeastern’s reputation for a quality program is what keeps employer partners engaged. By not following the policies, students can hurt that reputation and cause the university to lose employer partners. This rule is in place to protect the relationships for years to come and benefits all students in the co-op program.
No. The Intent to Co-op deadline is firm. Students receive multiple reminders leading up to the deadline and are expected to meet it.
No. When you begin the co-op search, you sign the Co-op Agreement that stipulates that once you find and commit (verbally or in writing) to an employer, you cannot change your mind. This is called reneging. When a student reneges it negatively impacts the reputation of the co-op program and hurts future students. This is a policy across the university and is strictly enforced. If you choose to renege you will no longer be eligible to participate in the co-op program.
If you obtain a co-op that requires your program to be extended, you can complete a Program Extension form. Speak with your assigned co-op coordinator to learn more.
No, you must return to at least one required course after co-op.
No. When a student is on co-op their co-op job should be their main priority and focus. There are very limited exceptions to this policy. See this site for more information.
No. When a student is on co-op their co-op job should be their main priority and focus. There are very limited exceptions to this policy; speak with your co-op coordinator for more information.
This depends on your program of study. Consult with your department for information about your particular case.
- No, a co-op cannot be extended from a full-time experience to a part-time experience.
- All students must be enrolled in classes full-time in either fall or spring term to make academic progress towards their degree. This means co-ops that span from fall to spring, or are a full year, are not allowed. If you are a student on a Canadian campus, please speak to your co-op coordinator about this option.
- Consult OGS for information related to using pre-OPT to maintain part-time employment following a co-op.
Co-ops must be either full-time or part-time for the entire duration.
You can only search when approved and students can only search for one co-op/internship. A co-op and internship are considered the same for MS students in COE.
No. Students can only have one co-op/internship in their program of study irrespective of the length.
- The Office of Global Services (OGS) maintains all information related to student visas. Please contact them with any questions.
- See the corresponding co-op pages for all COE co-op policies. These can be added on to the OGS requirements (i.e., 364 days of CPT are permitted per degree level without impacting OPT, but the COE only allows one co-op, up to 8 months).
You cannot complete a co-op if you are not approved through the Intent to Co-op process. You can explore other work options by speaking with OGS about pre-OPT.
Students may work on a partially remote (hybrid) or fully remote basis, as required or allowed by the employer. Students are encouraged to read the job descriptions carefully to understand the employer expectations prior to applying to and accepting a position.
Please consult the Office of Global Service website for more information about engaging in a 100% remote, full time co-op and maintaining on ground presence. If enrolled in a 100% remote, full time co-op, the College of Engineering offers international students enrollment in EXED 6945 to meet this on-ground requirement. As advised by OGS, you need to enroll in this class in parallel with your 100% remote, full time co-op to appropriately maintain your non-immigrant F-1 status.