Graduate Cooperative Education Program

The College of Engineering at Boston University offers one of the few graduate-level cooperative education programs in the United States. The Graduate Co-op Program allows students to work full or part time in positions related to their majors. Co-op administrators strive to match graduate students with employers whose position requirements most closely align with the students’ curricula and professional career goals.

Participating employers include large industrial corporations, small specialized companies, research firms, and government agencies. The majority of our Graduate Co-op Program assignments are in the New England area, many within commuting distance of the Boston University campus. Students may also pursue opportunities nationally.

The Graduate Co-op Program is an option available to all graduate students in good standing (i.e., with a GPA of 3.0 or better). Graduate students may apply to co-op after completing one semester of study. All students participating in the co-op program must return, register for, and complete one full semester at the College after their co-op experience has ended. International students may be authorized to participate in the co-op program as an educational experience for up to 12 months under Curricular Practical Training. Additional information is available on the International Students & Scholars Office website. LEAP students are also permitted to participate, upon acceptance to the Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree program (see the Late Entry Accelerated Program section of this website). Graduate Co-op Program positions help defray the costs of a graduate engineering education. Graduate students who elect to participate earn, on average, over $27 an hour. More importantly, however, the co-op program has proven to be an excellent path to permanent and satisfying employment. Nationwide studies confirm that relevant work experience combined with university studies increases employability. Graduates with cooperative education experience are generally recruited more quickly, and for more responsible positions at higher salaries, than their peers without similar experience.

For more information, please contact the Career Development Office at 44 Cummington Street, Room 112, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-5731 or email engcareer@bu.edu. Visit the College of Engineering Career Development Office website at eng/careers.