Learning outside of the classroom: the Northeastern University research co-op fellowship program

TLDR: The goal of the program is to develop ties between the professional workplace and the classroom, providing opportunities for undergraduates to participate in cutting-edge research projects, earn money, and receive academic credit.

Abstract: Northeastern University has developed an educational philosophy that recognizes that the total educational experience extends well beyond the four walls of the classroom. Cooperative education is a model that educates students both within the academic and professional settings. The Northeastern University engineering co-op program consists of alternating periods of classroom study with work and career experiences. Most students graduate with 21 months of practical experience in their field of study.We have recently developed a Research Co-op Fellowship program, to further extend the professional experience beyond the walls of the workplace. A student works with a faculty member for a period of 6 months (2 academic quarters) on a research project, and is supported by his co-op employer while working on the project on-campus. The goal of the program is to develop ties between the professional workplace and the classroom, providing opportunities for undergraduates to participate in cutting-edge research projects, earn money, and receive academic credit.