Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Co-ops are traditionally a period of time when students are not enrolled in class. Internships are work experiences that take place during class semesters. Most Pharmaceutical Sciences students participate in Internships because they are attending school full time while also in class full time.

Co-op/Internships

Northeastern University is number one in the US News and World Report ranking of colleges that offer experiential education. The School of Pharmacy’s Professional Science Master’s (PSM) programs capitalize on Northeastern’s location among the many research hospitals and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the Boston area to provide real-world learning opportunities for students.

How it Works

During their first year, students gain valuable hands-on experience through lab courses. Many students also work in on-site laboratories with Northeastern’s world renowned pharmaceutical research faculty. These experiences prepare them well to launch into the professional world as early as the summer of their first year. During that summer and the following two semesters, students enrolled full-time and in good academic standing can participate in experiential education. The evening curriculum provides ample flexibility in the timing of coops and internships. In some cases, coops lead to post graduation permanent positions. International students are able to participate in coop through the Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) program offered by Northeastern University as part of the Pharmacy Internship course offered every semester.

An experienced coop coordinator guides students in assessing their career goals and finding the best working environment to work toward those goals. Students are not guaranteed a paid experience, but every effort is made to connect them to employers in their area of interest. In addition to the optional Professional Development course, workshops are offered on a regular basis to educate students on topics such as how employers review applications; developing long-term career plans; preparing resumes, cover letters and interviewing; and alternative careers in science.

Policies and Procedures

• Students are not eligible for internships/coops until they have completed two academic semesters.
• Eligibility for internship participation requires a GPA of 3.0 for summer internships, and 3.2 for fall and spring semesters.
• There are no vacations during coop/internships
• Students are expected to perform to the employers standards of excellence and are subject to termination for failure to perform.
• Once students accept a position, they must notify all other employers that they have accepted jobs and can no longer interview. Accepting two jobs in the same semester makes students ineligible for any jobs through Northeastern.
• Participating in fall and spring semester internships requires a great deal of successful time management, as most internships are full-time. Students participating in full-time internships are expected to attend all classes.
• Students with academic dishonesty on their records are not eligible for internships/coops.