How can I find US finance programs that include internships or co-op placements?
Drexel has the clearest structure, with up to three finance co-op placements and as much as 18 months of work experience. Cincinnati and Emory list STEM-designated finance master's programs, and most US placements run on CPT or OPT. Confirm your program's rules first.
In the USA, industry experience during finance studies comes in two forms: a structured co-op built into the degree, or internships you secure with career service support. Drexel is the best known for the first form, while many other business schools rely on the second. You should treat any placement as something you earn, not something the university promises.
US finance programs known for co-op or internship access
| University | Program | Practical experience on offer |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | Undergraduate finance (LeBow) | Up to three co-op placements and up to 18 months of work experience |
| University of Georgia | Finance major (Terry College) | See the official page for internship support |
| DePaul University | Finance program | See the official page for internship support |
| Ohio University | BBA Finance | See the official page for internship support |
| University of Cincinnati | MS Finance, STEM-designated | STEM-designated, per the program page |
| Emory University | Master of Finance, STEM-designated | STEM-designated, with an option to extend to 16 months by adding a summer internship |
| University of Utah | MS Finance | Check the program page for STEM status and internship support |
What to check about work authorization for US placements
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training) lets eligible F-1 students work in authorized internships during their studies. Your designated school official must approve it before you start.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training) lets eligible graduates work after finishing the degree.
- A STEM-designated program can qualify you for a 24 month STEM OPT extension, but only if the program and the employer both meet the rules.
- Ask whether the course requires an internship for credit, because that changes when CPT is available to you.
- Request recent internship and placement reports from the school, with employer names and the share of international students placed.
STEM designation does not guarantee an internship or a job, and no US school can promise a placement.
My Advice
If structured experience matters most to you, put co-op programs such as Drexel at the top of your list. For a master's, compare placement reports and the CPT policy of each school before you pay any deposit, and confirm every immigration rule with the school's international office.
This information is available on: lebow.drexel.edu, ice.gov, business.uc.edu, goizueta.emory.edu
Looking for a specific course in the USA?
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