Who to Contact
- Ken Bohrer
- 215.895.1642
- kbohrer@drexel.edu
Wanted: Graduate students looking to expand their horizons.
The Graduate Co-op Program.
Drexel’s long tradition in the field of experiential education has been extended into its master degree programs in the Colleges of Business, Engineering, Information Science and Technology, the School of Education and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems. This optional program enables students to accept paid positions in their career fields – and receive academic credit. Employment opportunities are available each June and September.
Participating Graduate Co-op Programs
- MS, MBA, BS/MS, LeBow College of Business
- MS, Information Systems, College of Information Science and Technology
- MS, Engineering, College of Engineering
- MS, Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems
- MS, Higher Education, School of Education
- MS, Global and International Education, School of Education
- MS, Learning Technologies, School of Education
- MS, Human Resource Development, School of Education
Eligibility
Participation in GCP is optional for Business, iSchool and Engineering and is a requirement for above listed Education programs. A minimum of 24 graduate credits and a GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the optional GCP program (some departments require a higher GPAs). Due to USCIS requirements, international students are required to complete three terms as a full-time student (24 credits) before becoming eligible to participate.
International students, whose primary language is not English, must also demonstrate business-usage English proficiency to the Graduate Co-op Coordinator. If you are an international student, full-time employment as a part of the GCP program is considered an integral part of your education process; therefore, you will retain your student status during the six month employment period.
Credits
When you receive and accept an employment offer, you will enroll in a three-credit GCP course for each three month period of your employment. Before your six-month employment opportunity begins, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you throughout the GCP experience. Although you will be enrolled in a course, you will not attend class. Instead, you will be employed in a full-time position and converse with your faculty advisor to develop a project that will reflect your work experience. At the end of your six-month assignment you will receive a grade based on your approved project.
Locations
Although the Graduate Co-op Program does not limit students to working in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has been designated as one of the top ten job markets in the United States. The Graduate Co-op Coordinator will work with you to identify appropriate employment opportunities, which can include jobs outside of the Philadelphia area.
Duration
The GCP experience lasts a full six-month period. If you are offered and accept an employment opportunity, you will work full-time ( usually 37.5 - 40 hours / week ) and are limited to taking only one additional course each academic term.
Compensation
Depending on major and market considerations the salaries have ranged from $500 to $1,000 per week.
Housing
You are required to obtain your own living arrangements while participating in the Graduate Co-op Program.
Insurance
You must obtain and keep your health insurance and immunizations current to participate in the Graduate Co-op Program.
Application
You should meet with our Graduate Co-op Coordinator to discuss your interest as early as three months prior to your anticipated job start date. This will ensure that you have ample time to understand the program, discuss your career objectives, review/amend your résumé, conduct practice interviews, and, if necessary, schedule language testing. Consult the GCP Calendar for more details.
