Thoughts?
All students, including transfer students, must do 6 months of experiential learning. In some majors, including DMSB, coop is required.
http://www.northeastern.edu/experiential-learning/
Experiential learning is required, but co-op isn’t the only form of experiential learning. For my major (behavioral neuroscience), doing a thesis or research in a lab for credit could fulfill the experiential requirement.
That said, I think it would be missing out on something to not do a co-op at Northeastern. I don’t think I know anyone who didn’t do a co-op. When I started, my goal was to use all my credit to fit in a single co-op and graduate in 3.5 years. I ended up sticking around for 5 years and 3 co-ops. I realized the goal wasn’t to get through things as quickly as possible, but to get the most I could out of the experience. I don’t think I’d be where I am today (in terms of figuring out my interests and having the qualifications to get into this PhD program) if I hadn’t done these co-ops. If you’re worried about costs, remember that there is no tuition while you’re on co-op (but you still get access to university facilities like the gym, health services, and advising), and in general your co-op pay will cover your living costs for those six months.