Work Opportunities

Since the founding of the University in 1891, Drexel has matched thorough training with opportunities for practical experience. Though there are certain visa-related restrictions, international students can pursue many of the same employment opportunities as U.S. residents while studying for their degree.

For more specific information about the types of student visas and how they affect employment eligibility, please see the International Students and Scholars Services' Working in the U.S. page.

Assistantships and Research Positions

Academic department-based jobs and research positions with individual faculty members are sometimes available to international students. Competition for these slots is high, and potential students are advised to inquire about availability before formally applying.

The best place to begin your search is each college's website, where you can find departmental contacts and listings for faculty members and their research interests.

Graduate Co-op

For master's candidates in Engineering, Business, Biomedical Sciences, and Information Science and Technology, and some Arts and Sciences programs, Drexel offers Graduate Co-op. Based on the University's renowned co-operative education program for undergraduates, Graduate Co-op helps participants secure three- and six-month paid internships at some of the largest companies in the Philadelphia area and throughout the country. Typical salaries range from $550 to $1,000 per week.

Admission to the program is competitive, and a minimum of 24 graduate credits and a GPA of 3.0 are required for acceptance. International students are also required to complete three terms as a full-time student before being eligible to participate, and must demonstrate "business usage" English proficiency to a qualification panel. Successful program applicants are not guaranteed an internship.

After You Graduate

Once they've earned their degrees, a significant number of Drexel's international students decide to continue their careers in the United States and apply for resident status.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes an online Occupational Outlook Handbook that explains earning potential and predicts job growth for hundreds of professions. To find realistic information about your career path, start your search here.