Traditional Northwestern University Co-op Schedule




Summer Fall Winter Spring

Mid June to Mid Sept Mid Sept to Mid-End Dec Jan 2 - Mid March Mid March - Mid June
Freshman Year

School School School
Sophomore Year
School School School
Junior Year Co-op
School School Co-op
Pre-Senior Year Co-op School Co-op School
Senior Year Co-op 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. Each co-op student's schedule should include at least one work term for each season or academic quarter. In other words, the student should work at least one fall, winter, spring and summer quarter.

4. The schedule must alternate terms of work and school in approximately equal intervals.