Sciences Professional Co-ops

The Professional Co-op Program is available to students in all undergraduate disciplines in the Kennedy College of Sciences as well as Pharmaceutical Sciences and Applied Biomedical Sciences – Clinical Science option.

The Professional Co-op Program allows students to obtain full-time, paid work experience in their respective field of study.  The valuable, hands-on experience gained from co-op will help to enhance a student’s understanding of how course concepts translate to real world situations.

Sciences students have the opportunity to work in co-op positions across a diverse range of industries, sectors and locations.  Students can participate in up to two co-op experiences (three or six months in duration each) exploring opportunities with UMass Lowell’s employer partners located both regionally and nationally.

Through co-op, a student can develop:

  • Extensive work experience
  • An informed idea of the work environment they prefer
  • A better understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses
  • A stronger, more competitive resume
  • A network of contacts in the professional world
Learn more about how co-op works at UMass Lowell

Sample Science Co-op Employers

More than 250 employers have hired UMass Lowell sciences students since 2010. Here are a few:

Logo showing downfacing triangle with a chevron pattern next to text reading Fresenius Medical Care
Two intertwined red ovals next to gray text reading Entegris
Logo reading Pfizer in blue text
Logo reading Alnylam in blue text

Co-op Cycles

Students in all majors within the Kennedy College of Sciences as well as Pharmaceutical Science and Applied Biomedical Science – Clinical Science option majors can participate through partnerships with regional and national employers. Co-op work terms align with the UMass Lowell fall, spring and summer academic calendar:

  • January-June
  • July-December
  • Summer-only

Getting Started

All undergraduate sciences students begin the co-op sequence with the required SCIE.2100: Professional Development Seminar (PDS), typically during their sophomore or junior year.

This one-credit course prepares students to engage in a professional job search process through:

  • Resume development
  • Interview preparation
  • Career exploration and decision-making
  • Professional workplace expectations

Students become eligible to pursue co-op opportunities while enrolled in the seminar. To register for the seminar, students must first apply and be accepted to the Professional Co-op Program.

Academic Planning

Because students work full-time during co-op terms, careful academic planning is important. Students should work with their academic or faculty advisor to ensure co-op experiences fit within their degree requirements, especially when considering prerequisite and capstone courses.

Academic Credit

Students are able to substitute 3 credits earned through the required co-op coursework before and after their co-op experience (Professional Development Seminar and Assessment) for a course in their program of study, dependent on their major.

CourseCredit
PDS1 credit
Co-op Experience0 credits
Assessment (after 6-month co-op)2 credits
Assessment (after summer co-op)1 credit

Computer Science: Can waive the requirement to complete Oral and Written Communication. Students must still take 3 Arts & Humanities electives.

 All other sciences majors: Can substitute 3 co-op coursework credits for an elective.

Tuition and Student Status

Students do not pay tuition during co-op work terms. However, there is a small fee for registering students in the co-op experience course. While on co-op, students are still considered full-time and maintain their student status. Maintaining student status allows students to:

  • Maintain eligibility for student loans and healthcare coverage
  • Live in university housing (room and board charges apply)
  • Participate in student organizations
  • Access campus resources and services

Students should consult The Solution Center regarding scholarship eligibility during co-op terms.

Support from Co-op Advisors

Every co-op student works with a dedicated co-op advisor who provides guidance before, during and after the co-op experience. Co-op advisors help students:

  • Prepare for the job search
  • Identify opportunities that match their interests and goals
  • Improve resumes and interviewing skills
  • Navigate workplace expectations
  • Connect with employer partners

Advisors also collaborate with employers to develop and maintain meaningful co-op opportunities that support students’ educational and professional growth.

Sciences Co-op Advisors

Woman in a blue-green shirt standing in front of trees smiles at the camera

Catherine McLean
Advises: Computer Science

Amanda Teixeira
Advises: all non-Computer Science majors

Schedule a co-op advising appointment