Programs Overview
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Cooperative Education (Co-op)
Co-op Schedule Requirements

  1. A minimum of 9 months (three quarters) of work with the same employer, OR a minimum of 4 quarters of work with two employers is required. See both options in more detail below.
  2. Each co-op student’s schedule should have at least two quarters that are back-to-back (one six month work term), in order to provide a more in-depth experience for the student and greater productivity for the employer.
  3. The schedule must alternate terms of work and school in approximately equal intervals.
  4. For International Students (F-1 visa status), the engineering co-op program is recognized at NU as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This allows students to obtain engineering related work experience while pursuing an undergraduate degree. With CPT, students with F-1 visa status are limited to less than one (1) year of work experience. For co-op, this means you can complete a total of four (4) quarters (each quarter is 12 weeks in length). Additional paperwork is required by the International Office. For more information, please visit their office or website.

Co-op Option 1 - One Employer

A minimum of 9 months (three quarters) of work with the same employer. Your schedule should include at least one six month (two quarter) work term, in order to provide a more in-depth experience for the student and greater productivity for the employer.

This schedule displays one option for scheduling co-op work terms with one employer. However, students can create unique schedules with the help of their faculty advisor, career advisor, and co-op employer, as long as they meet the three quarter minimum requirement.

Co-op Option 2 - Two Employers

One six month (two quarter) work term with one employer AND an additional six month (two quarter) work term with a different employer.

This schedule displays one option for scheduling co-op work terms with two employers. However, students can create unique schedules with the help of their faculty advisor, career advisor, and co-op employer, as long as they meet the three quarter minimum requirement.