Co-op Program

The Stevens Co-op Program is designed to attract undergraduate students seeking challenging, hands-on work experiences in a field related to their academic degree program. Participants work in full-time paid Co-op jobs or internships while gaining ongoing career development, which serves as a catalyst for future career satisfaction and success. 

Getting Started

Students interested in participating in the Co-op Program are required to pass the COOP 100: Introduction to Cooperative Education course in the Spring semester of their first year at Stevens. COOP 100 is a six-week, zero-credit, pass/fail course offered only in the Spring semester. Students learn program requirements, how to conduct a successful job search, and how to have a successful Co-op work experience. Class attendance is graded, and students are expected to attend all classes and complete all course assignments. 

During the COOP 100 course, students must meet with their Academic Advisor to create a Co-op Academic Plan that includes their expected Co-op job search semesters, Co-op work semesters, and academic coursework for their degree program. Students are expected to follow their academic plan to successfully complete the program. 

To be admitted to the Co-op Program, students must meet all eligibility requirements. Students who do not meet all eligibility requirements will not be invited to apply to the program. 

Completing the Co-op Program: For Students Entering Stevens Fall 2025 and After 

To successfully complete the Co-op Program and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in four years, first-year students entering Stevens in Fall 2025 and after must complete two Co-op job search semesters and two Co-op work semesters. 

The Co-op Program is comprised of a series of “COOP” courses required to participate in the program, as listed below. Students must register for the Co-op Job Search courses (COOP 101 and 201) that align with their Academic Plan. Students must first pass the Co-op Job Search course to receive approval to register for the Co-op Work Semester course (COOP 102 and 202).

Co-op Course Sequence Required for All Students

1. COOP 100: Introduction to Cooperative Education

2. COOP 101: First Co-op Job Search Semester

3. COOP 102: First Co-op Work Semester

4. COOP 201: Second Co-op Job Search Semester

5. COOP 202: Second Co-op Work Semester

6. *COOP 301: Third Co-op Job Search

7. *COOP 302: Third Co-op Work Semester

*COOP 301 and 302 are not required for students entering Stevens Fall 2025 and after.

Students take the Co-op Job Search courses (COOP 101 and 201) the semester before the expected Co-op work semester (the semester the student plans to work full-time). Failure to register for the Co-op Job Search course may jeopardize the student’s ability to accept an offer, or the Career Center may not approve the offer. During the Co-op job search course, students must demonstrate a commitment to searching for a full-time job related to their degree program. This includes applying to jobs, meeting with a career coach, and attending employer recruiting events.  

The Stevens Career Center provides services and support to help students in advancing their career goals. We provide guidance and resources to enhance the career and professional development of all students. Employment is not guaranteed, and employers make all hiring decisions. Results may vary and are dependent upon each student’s individual efforts, qualifications, and job market conditions. 

Eligible Undergraduate Degree Programs

Eligibility Requirements to be Admitted to the Co-op Program

To be admitted to the Co-op Program, students must meet the six eligibility requirements listed below by the end of the spring semester of the first year. 

1. Must be a first-year student enrolled in one of the 14 Co-op eligible degree programs, listed above, as a major program of study.

2. Pass the COOP 100: Introduction to Cooperative Education course. This course is REQUIRED and is only offered in the spring semester. First-year students can register for the COOP 100 course when spring registration opens in November.

3. Pass all first-year coursework and earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA by the end of the spring semester of the first year or earn a 3.0 GPA in the  spring semester of the first year if the GPA is lower than 3.0 in the fall semester. 

4. Pass two required math courses: MA 125 and MA 126.

5. Demonstrate a strong commitment to high performance in the Co-op Program by consistently meeting deadlines, refraining from seeking program exceptions, and accepting accountability for actions and decisions. 

6. After meeting all Co-op Program eligibility requirements, apply to the Co-op Program by adding the Undergraduate COOP Program of Study to your Workday Profile. Students admitted to the program will receive an acceptance letter from The Stevens Career Center.

Benefits of the Co-op Program

• Gain valuable work experience in a job related to your degree before graduation.

• Explore career paths to help make informed career decisions.

• Develop professional skills such as time management, problem-solving, and navigating a professional work environment.

• Earn full-time income during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

• Establish and build a network of professional industry contacts.

• Strengthen and enhance your resume with relevant work experience.

• Weekly Co-op Peer Mentor Office Hours allow students to meet with seniors who have successfully completed the program to learn about their work experiences, interview questions, and co-op success tips.

• Exclusive invitations to recruiting and career development events.

• Network with Co-op students from different majors and experiences.

• Access to a multitude of Co-op jobs on Handshake.

• Serve as a Career Center Ambassador volunteer by attending admissions events to share your experiences with prospective students and families.

Which is Best: Internship or Co-op?

Participating in the Co-op Program or pursuing summer internships are both great options for college students. The question of whether one is better than the other is a personal choice and should be based on each student's individual situation and not on what other students or friends choose. While both Co-op jobs and summer internships are great ways to gain valuable work experience, earn money, and strengthen your resume, each student should evaluate the kind of experience they want to have during their time at Stevens. The Stevens Career Center provides support to all students whether they are in the Co-op Program, pursuing summer internships, or research opportunities.

Similarities: Internships and Co-op

• Internships and Co-op jobs offer full-time paid work experience.

• Great for resume-building and strengthening interview skills.

• Allows students to meet industry professionals and expand their networks.

• Helps students build professional skills, learn about work-life, and gain valuable experience in a specific industry or organization.

• The experiences can potentially lead to a full-time job offer in the senior year.

• Ability to work full-time during the summer.

Differences: Internships and Co-op

International Students

Undergraduate international students are eligible to participate in the Co-op Program. International students must meet with the The International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS) to complete all steps required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization. CPT is work authorization granted to eligible F-1 visa students so they may work in the U.S. while earning a degree.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are not eligible to participate in the Co-op Program. We strongly encourage transfer students to schedule a virtual or in-person career coaching appointment with the Stevens Career Center on Handshake to discuss options for exploring and applying to summer internships.

Questions?

Please contact [email protected].