The Stevens Co-op Program is designed to attract undergraduate students driven to secure 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 Student 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 sequence of five courses. 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
COOP 100: Introduction to Cooperative Education
COOP 101: First Co-op Job Search Semester
COOP 102: First Co-op Work Semester
COOP 201: Second Co-op Job Search Semester
COOP 202: Second Co-op Work Semester
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.
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.
Must be a first-year student enrolled in one of the 13 co-op eligible degree programs as a major program of study: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Engineering with a concentration in Naval Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering
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.
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.
Pass two required math courses MA 125 and MA 126.
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.
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 by May 31st. 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 exclusive 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.
Similarities: Internships and Co-op
Internships and co-op jobs offer full-time paid work experience.
Great for resume building and strengthens interview skills.
Allows students to meet industry professionals and expand their network of contacts.
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.
Can work full-time during the summer.
The Stevens Career Center provides support to all students whether they are in the Co-op Program, pursuing summer internships, or research opportunities.
Differences: Internships and Co-op
Co-op Program | Internships |
|---|---|
Students must meet all eligibility requirements to be admitted to the program. | Must meet the qualifications for the internship posted by the employer. |
Only available to students enrolled in one of the 13 co-op eligible majors/degree programs. | Available to all majors/degree programs at Stevens. |
Can work full-time during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Only one summer Co-op Work Semester will be approved. | Must be enrolled in academic classes during the fall and spring semesters. Can work full-time during the summer. |
Students are required to meet with their Academic Advisor regularly and maintain an updated Co-op Academic Plan. | An academic plan is not required. |
Students must enroll in the COOP Job Search and COOP Work Semester courses to stay in the program. | Students do not enroll in Job Search or Work Semester courses. |
International Students
Undergraduate international students are eligible to participate in the Co-op Program. International students must meet with 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 the Stevens Career Center at [email protected]