Co-op

How it works

In the co-op system you alternate school terms with paid work terms. Co-op programs take up to a year longer to complete than traditional degrees, but the time is well spent. Through co-op, you'll have the advantage of gaining work experience in a variety of settings as well as making important career contacts and earning on average $30,000 to $60,000 over the course of your studies to help finance your education.

as much as two years of paid work experience
a chance to apply classroom theory to real-world job situations
career contacts and connections
employment earnings to help finance your education
opportunity to explore different career options

In addition, employers tell us co-op students develop many valuable skills during work terms, such as clear and concise written and oral communication skills; computer literacy; teamwork skills; creative and analytical problem-solving skills; organizational skills; and the ability to create and meet deadlines.

**Honours Arts and Business co-op sequence**
	Year 1			Year 2			Year 3			Year 4			Year 5
Term	F	W	S	F	W	S	F	W	S	F	W	S	F	W
Arts and Business	ST	ST	OFF	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	WK	ST	ST

**Honours Arts departmental co-op sequence (available in 6 majors)**
	Year 1			Year 2			Year 3			Year 4			Year 5
Term	F	W	S	F	W	S	F	W	S	F	W	S	F	W
English, History*	ST	ST	OFF	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	WK	ST	ST
Economics	ST	ST	OFF	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST
Political Science, Psychology, Sociology	ST	ST	OFF	ST	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST	WK	ST

F = Fall term, September - December
W = Winter term, January - April
S = Spring term, May - August
ST= Study
WK = work

* Honours Arts co-op for History starts in 2017

If you don't want to do co-op

Under the regular system of study, you'll enjoy more continuity in your studies, more choice and flexibility. Normally, you'll attend classes from September through April, and have your summers off. However, some of our regular system students decide to take extra courses during the Spring term and fast-track to graduation.

continuity in studies, social life, and living arrangements
opportunity for more active involvement in campus and community
freedom to plan summer employment and other projects
a quicker path to graduation, the workforce, graduate studies, teacher's college, or professional schools
completion normally within 3-2/3 years, or if you fast-track, within 2 2/3 years

What's best for me: regular or co-op?

Academically, the programs are identical between regular and co-op. You will learn from the same professors, take the same required courses, and learn with the same group of students in your program. The difference comes down to what you do outside of the standard school terms.