CO-OP PROGRAM FAQs

What are the requirements to be admitted into the Co-op Program at Stevens? 

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 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.

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 by May 31st. Students admitted to the program will receive an acceptance letter from The Stevens Career Center.

What happens if I am not able to meet all the requirements? 

Students who do not meet all the requirements will not be admitted into the Co-Op Program.

When are decisions made for admittance into the program? 

First-year students are admitted to the Co-op Program in May.

How does the Co-op Program work?

Students interested in participating in the Co-op Program are strongly encouraged to take the COOP 100 Introduction to Cooperative Education course in the Spring semester of the first year. During the COOP 100 course students learn how the Co-op Program works, how to conduct a successful job search, and much more. Passing the COOP100 course is an eligibility requirement, and students will not be invited to apply to the program if they do not pass the COOP 100 course.

How many co-op jobs do I have to complete?

Students who enter Stevens in Fall 2025 or after, must complete two co-op job search semesters and two co-op work semesters to successfully complete the program. These students can graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in four years.

Students who entered Stevens in Spring 2025 or earlier, must complete three co-op job search semesters and three co-op work semesters to successfully complete the program. These students can graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in five years.

Only one summer Co-op Work Semester (job offer) will be approved for any student participating in the Co-op Program.

What happens when I get a co-op offer? Do I just sign an offer letter?

No. Students are required to get their offer letter approved before signing an offer letter. Please submit the letter to [email protected] for review to ensure the co-op job meets the Co-op Program requirements. Once the offer letter is approved, students will register for the corresponding co-op work semesters in Workday (COOP 102: First Co-op Work Semester, COOP 202: Second Co-op Work Semester, or COOP 302: Third Co-op Work Semester) depending on the co-op work semester in your academic plan.

When can I work in a co-op job?

Co-op jobs must last a minimum of 10 weeks and can be completed in the Fall, Spring or Summer but must align with the academic plan submitted to the Stevens Career Center.

• Spring Semester (January – May)

• Summer Semester (May – August)

• Fall Semester (August – December)

Do I have to do all my co-op jobs at the same company?

No. We encourage you to explore different roles and industries that may interest you. The Co-op Program is an experiential learning opportunity in which you can experience working at more than one employer and learn what industries, roles and employers are best aligned with your interests. If a co-op job is extended to another semester, the student must meet with a career coach to discuss the extension, obtain a new offer letter from the employer, and meet with their academic advisor to create a new Academic Plan.

Can my previous internship count towards co-op?

No, students must be enrolled in the appropriate co-op course to earn credit towards their Co-op Program completion. The Stevens Career Center cannot retroactively give a student credit for a job or internship completed during a previous semester.

Can I accept an unpaid co-op job?   

No. The Stevens Career Center will not approve unpaid co-op job or internship. All co-op jobs must be full-time (minimum 35 hours/week). Part-time jobs will not be approved.

Can I live in campus housing while during a Co-op Work Semester?

Yes, please speak with a representative in the Office of Residential Life to find out what is required. You can contact them at [email protected].

Why can't business school or HASS students participate in the Co-op Program?

Employers determine the degrees they seek for co-op jobs. While the career center helps to support all employer recruitment needs, the career center does not make decisions about the types of jobs and degrees employers want to hire. The Stevens Co-op Program is over 30 years old and employers have traditionally hired engineers and computer scientists for co-op jobs.

HASS and business school students can pursue paid full-time and part-time summer internships to gain valuable work experience before graduation. The Stevens Career Center helps students interested in pursuing summer internships with resume writing, job search, networking, interviewing, and other career development skills. Students should also attend various employer recruiting events such as Career Fairs, Lunch & Learns, Career Chats, Information Sessions, Interview Days, and Networking Nights.

Please schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake to learn more.

I’m an international student; may I participate in the Co-op Program?

Yes! International students are welcome to participate in the Co-op Program. We strongly advise you to speak with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) regarding your personal circumstances and work options.

I'm a transfer student; may I participate in the Co-op Program?

No. Students who transfer to Stevens are not eligible to participate in the Co-op Program. We strongly recommend that transfer students meet with a career coach in the Stevens Career Center early and often to prepare and start a search for summer internships. You can schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake or stop by the Stevens Career Center in Howe Center, 6th floor to schedule an appointment.

What classes are required for the Co-op Program? 

The Co-op Program is comprised of a sequence of seven courses. Students interested in participating in the Co-op Program are required to register for COOP 100: Introduction to Cooperative Education. During this course, students will learn about the Co-op Program and will be given the opportunity to apply to the program. COOP 100 is only offered in the Spring semester. If admitted to the Co-op Program, students will register for courses listed below based on the academic plan they create with their academic advisor:

• COOP 100: Introduction to Cooperative Education

• COOP 101: First Co-op Job Search 

• COOP 102: First Co-op Work Semester 

• COOP 201: Second Co-op Job Search 

• COOP 202: Second Co-op Work Semester 

• *COOP 301: Third Co-Op Job Search 

• *COOP 302: Third Co-Op Work Semester 

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

Students are taking academic classes and searching for a job during the Co-op Job Search semesters and students are working full-time for an employer during Co-op Work semesters. Students do not pay tuition or fees during a Summer Co-op Work Semester.

Do I pay tuition when I am working? Are there any fees I have to pay?

Students do not pay tuition during Co-op Work Semesters, but are required to pay General Service and Student Activity Fees during the Fall and Spring Co-op Work Semesters.

Am I guaranteed an offer for a co-op job?

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.

A student can increase their chances of receiving a job offer by taking advantage of all the resources and support provided by the Stevens Career Center.

Does the Career Center help students find jobs?

Yes, we do! The career center offers one-on-one appointments with a career coach and students can schedule a 30-minute appointment on Handshake to discuss any career-related topics. The career center also offers a variety of employer recruiting events and resources to help students apply to jobs, prepare for interview, and network with recruiters and alumni.

What happens if I do not secure an offer for a co-op job?

Students who do not secure a job offer are required to meet with their academic advisor to create a revised Academic Plan. This means a student might be permitted to shift their co-op work semester to a different semester. However, this varies based on major and individual student coursework and degree requirements.

To help with a job search, we strongly recommend students schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake. Students should also apply to jobs on Handshake, CareerShift, and employer websites. Students can also use resources like Big Interview to practice interview skills, attend career development webinars, small group Hands-On sessions, and attend virtual and in-person employer recruiting events. Students can also set-up an account on StevensConnects to network with Stevens alumni.