Engineering and Computer Science Co-op program

Undergraduate engineering and computer science students can begin the full-time co-op after the first semester of their junior year. The program is also available for graduate-level computer science students.

Work full-time in a paid role for six to eight months with leading employers. Apply your skills to real-world projects and strengthen your résumé with US industry experience. We have more than 200 corporate partners, including Canon, Estée Lauder, Gerber Technology, Google and IBM.

You can earn between $20,000 and $40,000 by completing a full-time paid co-op. Support yourself financially while gaining practical experience in your field.

The co-op gives you direct access to companies in New York City, Long Island and beyond. Build professional connections that can lead to rewarding future careers with corporate partners like JFK Airport, Stantec, UPS, Veeco, Zebra and Micron.

Over 80% of co-op graduates have received job offers from their co-op employers. The program helps you step into your career with confidence and a clear advantage.

To join the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op, you need a minimum GPA of 2.75 as an undergraduate or 3.2 as a graduate student.

You also need to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a type of work permission for F-1 visa students. It lets you work off campus in a program like the co-op as long as it’s part of your degree. With CPT, you can work full-time during your co-op while keeping your visa status valid.

You will need to email the Co-op Office four documents: the Application Form, Student Statement of Understanding, Graduation Advisement Checklist and your résumé. The three forms can be downloaded from the website, and you must have your résumé approved by the Center for Career Design & Development with the checklist.

For undergraduate students, the co-op is a full-time position lasting a minimum of six months and a maximum of eight months. For graduate students, the duration can be extended to a maximum of 12 months with the approval of the student’s faculty advisor and the Assistant Dean of Co-op and Experiential Learning.

International graduate students who wish to extend their co-op experience will need to re-submit an updated F-1 CPT Approval Form to the International Office with the new ending date and an updated offer letter from the host company.

The co-op program is designed to fit within your degree plan so you can gain work experience and still graduate on time. Faculty advisors and the co-op team will guide you through the process, making sure your academic progress stays on track while you build valuable career skills.

No. During the fall or spring semester you will maintain matriculation at Hofstra University by paying the requisite fee, but you will not be taking any courses. You are expected to be a full-time employee during your assignment.

No, you don't have to pay additional fees to participate in the co-op. You only need to pay a small matriculation fee during the fall or spring semester when you are working full-time and not taking classes.