Eligibility Requirements and Deadlines for Approvals
Be a full-time, degree seeking student.
Complete 1 academic year in program of study
For graduate students: 2 academic semesters of full-time study, which is 8-9 credit hours per term or 24 credits total.
For students beginning their program in the midst of the transition from quarters to semesters:
1 academic year = 1 quarter & 2 semesters
1 academic year = 2 quarters & 1 semester
For Winter 2026 students, we recommend taking the Summer 2026 quarter off, so that your first eligible co-op cycle is the Spring 2027 semester.
For Spring 2026 students, we recommend taking a full courseload during the Summer 2026 quarter (8-9 credit hours), so that you are eligible for the Spring 2027 co-op cycle.
For undergraduate students: 3 full-time semesters, which is 12 credit hours per term or 36 credits total:
Bachelor Completion Program and transfer students (up to 60 credits) from other universities must meet the same co-op requirements as non-transfer students and complete at least one semester of classes at Northeastern before starting co-op. These students may complete up to two co-ops over the remainder of their program, provided they have fulfilled the pre-co-op requirements.
Military students transferring 90 credits may complete one co-op over the remainder of their program, provided they have fulfilled the pre co-op requirements.
All CPS undergraduate students should consult with their academic advisor, as co-op eligibility and duration depend on the number of credits transferred.
GPA requirements
For graduate students: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For undergraduate students: A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Cannot complete Co-op in your final term of study.
Complete one academic year with full-time status with an active SEVIS record. Please see the “Academic Eligibility Requirements” accordion above for more information.
Students must always make satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion. CPT must not cause a delay in the completion of the student’s academic program
CPT must be within current I-20 program dates
Please review the Co-op and work permit eligibility before applying: Co-op Work Permit – Office of Global Services
If you haven’t received your Co-op work permit you may apply 3-4 months prior to your Co-op work term, contact OGS Canada for more information.
Any co-op or work permit related questions can be directed to [email protected].
You may not start your Co-op position without a valid Co-op work permit in any capacity. You also need a Social Insurance Number to work.
Your Co-op duration must be less than 50% of your total program timeline with a maximum of six months
You must be registered in an official Co-op course.
Your Co-op position must be full time (30+ hours per week).
Enrolling and passing INT 6200/ 2000 is required to participate in a co-op.
All Co-ops must be aligned with the academic term start and end dates.
Graduate students have the option to participate in one cooperative education experience with one employer. This can either be for 1 term (about 4 months) or 2 terms (about 6 to 8 months). All students must return from their co-op experience and enroll in and complete 1 term of coursework. A co-op will not be approved in back-to-back required terms (Fall + Spring).
CPS undergraduate students are allowed to complete (2) 4-month Co-ops, (2) 6- Month co-ops, or (1) 8-Month Co-op. All students must return from their co-op experience and enroll in and complete 1 term of coursework before completing their next term of Co-op. A co-op will not be approved in back-to-back required terms (Fall + Spring).
All Co-ops must be aligned with your program of study.
All Co-ops must meet the registrar’s length requirements in the term.
Graduate & Undergraduate Semester Full-Term (Fall, Spring, & Summer): Minimum of 11 weeks or 55 workdays
Graduate & Undergraduate Semester (Summer A or Summer B term): Minimum of 5 weeks or 25 workdays
