General Co-op Information

Preparation

Experience

Reflection

Phase 1: Preparation Seminar (Before Co-op)

To ensure student readiness to successfully participate in co-op employment, all professional co-op students enroll in a letter-graded, one-credit, full-semester Professional Development Seminar. Students will prepare to engage in the job search process through resume writing, strategic interviewing, professional networking and learning professional behavior and presentation skills. The goal of the course is to assist each student in developing a sound plan of action to successfully participate in the cooperative education experience.

Phase 2: Work Experience (During Co-op)

Students can work on co-op for a duration aligning with one of the following cycles:

  • January – June (Six months)
  • July – December (Six months)
  • Summer Only (Three months)
  • January – April (Accounting students only)

Depending upon the requirements of their academic department, students may undertake a combination of two three-month summer co-ops or one (or more) six-month co-op work experience. Some employers are eager to employ students for multiple co-op cycles and a student may elect to remain with the same employer. To learn how the Professional Co-op Program is structured into a particular program of study, please contact the co-op advisor for your major or college.

Phase 3: Assessment Seminar (After Co-op)

Upon the completion of each co-op work experience, students enroll in a pass/fail graded assessment course. These courses, which often include guest lectures from our faculty/employer partners, are designed to assist our students in evaluating, reflecting, and presenting on their work experience, while gaining an understanding of professional ethics and the dynamics of the workplace. A special emphasis is also placed on preparing for future employment opportunities.

For more information on the required co-op coursework associated with these three program phases, please see the co-op information page for your major.

A group of students in professional attire

Minimum Requirements to be considered for the Professional Co-op Program

  • Students must be full-time, undergraduate day students
  • Students must be in good academic standing
  • Currently, only students in one of the following colleges, departments, or majors can participate:
    • Francis College of Engineering
    • Kennedy College of Sciences
    • Manning School of Business
    • Department of Economics
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences major
    • Applied Biomedical Sciences major – Clinical Science option
  • Students must have earned at least 24 credits at UMass Lowell. Transfer students must have successfully completed at least 1 semester at UMass Lowell.

International students can participate subject to guidelines of the UMass Lowell International Student & Scholars Office (ISSO).

The Francis College of Engineering is revising a Graduate Master’s Co-op Option for some Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) programs. Please reach out to the Francis College of Engineering Dean’s Office for information.

We encourage undergraduate and graduate students in other programs to speak with their academic department for information on other experiential learning opportunities they may be eligible for.

Each semester, the co-op team holds several information sessions geared at undergraduate students seeking information about the Professional Co-op Program. No RSVP required, open to all. Find out:

  • Will it take me longer to graduate?
  • How much money will I be paid?
  • What companies hire us?
  • What happens to my financial aid?
  • Can I live on-campus?
  • How long is a co-op?

Please log into Handshake for the link to the Zoom sessions.

  • Friday, September 18, Noon-12:45 p.m., Southwick 240
  • Thursday, October 1, 3-3:45 p.m., via Zoom (link on Handshake)
  • Wednesday, October 14, Noon-12:45 p.m., via Zoom (link on Handshake)
  • Tuesday, October 27, 3-3:45 p.m., Southwick 240
  • Monday, November 9, Noon-12:45 p.m., via Zoom (link on Handshake)

Interested students fill out and submit an application to join the Professional Co-op Program. For additional information about the Program and expectations of students, attend an information session and review the Co-op Student Handbook. *Please note: Engineering students do NOT need to apply; they simply enroll in the required PLAS.2100 / ENGN.2100 course.

Completing an application initiates the co-op program selection process but does NOT guarantee students a spot in the Professional Co-op Program or the required Professional Development Seminar. Students’ applications must be approved by the Co-op Program staff, including a check of their transcript and judicial record for outstanding issues.

Application Timelines

The application timelines are typically as follows:

  • For Fall entry: Application typically opens in February
  • For Spring entry: Application typically opens in September

The application for Spring 2027 entry into the Professional Co-op Program is now open, with an early action deadline of Sunday, October 18. Students are encouraged to apply early. There are a limited number of seats in each of the required Professional Development Seminars (usually taken the semester before a student wishes to do a co-op). Acceptance to the program after the early action deadline is on a rolling basis as spots become available.

Apply to the Professional Co-op Program!

Note: If accepted, students wishing to participate in the Professional Co-op Program MUST successfully complete the required 1-credit Professional Development Seminar (PDS). View current or upcoming PDS offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions