Co-op

Launched in 1957, Waterloo's co-op program is the largest of its kind in the world and the pioneer of Canada's co-op system.

Choose your experience

Depending on your program of study, you may have the option to apply to the 5-year co-op program or fast-track in the 4-year "regular" program, as it's called here at Waterloo.

In all Environment programs, you'll learn real-world lessons inside and outside of the classroom and will be career-ready by the time you graduate.

Co-op at Waterloo

Through co-op, you'll alternate 4-month school terms with 4-month paid work terms in jobs relating to your program.

• Explore new career areas as your interests and goals evolve.
• Build contacts with employers that can lead to a great career when you graduate.
• Earn more after graduation. 77% of our co-op students earn more than $50,000/year 2 years after graduation (Ontario average is 40%).
• Be prepared for a successful career. You'll learn how to write a résumé, how to present yourself well at an interview, and how to conduct yourself on the job - all the skills you'll need when you're starting your career.

Learn more about how co-op works.

What kind of companies will you work for?

Past co-op employers of Environment students include:

Environment programs that offer co-op

• Environment and Business - regular and co-op
• Environment, Resources, and Sustainability - regular and co-op
• Geography and Aviation - regular only
• Geography and Environmental Management - regular and co-op
• Geomatics - regular and co-op
• International Development - regular only
• Knowledge Integration - regular only
• Planning - co-op only