Traditional Northwestern University Co-op Schedule




Fall Winter Spring Summer

 Mid Sept to Mid-End Dec

 Jan 2 to Mid March Mid March to Mid June  Mid June to Mid September
Freshman Year
School
School School Internship?
Sophomore Year School
School School Co-op
Junior Year School School Co-op Co-op
Pre-Senior Year School Co-op School Co-op
Senior Year Co-op School School/Graduation


Co-op Schedule Requirements 

1. A minimum of 12 months (four quarters) of work with the same employer is expected for each co-op student.

 

2. Each co-op student’s schedule should have at least one SIX MONTH (two quarters) 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 that you can complete four (4) quarters (each quarter is 12 weeks in length), or five (5) quarters (each quarter 10 weeks in length).  Additional paperwork is required by the International Office.  For more information, please visit their office or website.