Co-op learning

Leaders in co-op education

Explore careers, gain experience and earn money through North America's largest co-op program.

The University of Waterloo founded co-operative education in Canada.With more than 70,000 participating employers world-wide, students have a huge network of employers to access when looking for co-op jobs.

Co-op student works with stroke survivor in rehabilitation setting.

Kinesiology co-op

Waterloo's Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology is available through either the regular or co-op system of study.

Co-op students in Kinesiology find out how classroom learning is used in the workplace, and discover that what they've learned on work term provides an extra dimension to school work.

  • After first year, alternate between 4-month work terms, and 4-month study terms.
  • Gain almost 2 years of work experience. View a list of sample jobs.
  • Network with employers and build valuable contacts.
  • Earn money that can help you pay for school. View the average salary range for students in the Faculty of Health.
  • Develop essential skills through our Professional Development Program (WatPD).

In addition, co-op students develop other valuable skills during work terms, such as clear and concise written and oral communication skills; software literacy; teamwork skills; creative and analytical problem-solving skills; organizational skills and expertise in time management.

Kinesiology work/study sequence

  Fall Winter Spring
First year School School Off
Second year School Co-op School
Third year Co-op School Co-op
Fourth year School Co-op School
Final year Co-op School Graduate in June

Fall = September to December, Winter = January to April, Spring = May to August
School = 4-month school term
Co-op = 4-month co-op work term
Off = You can make your own plans for that term (work, travel, vacation, etc.)

For more information about co-op programming at Waterloo, visit the Co-operative Education website.

Professional Development Program (WatPD)

The University of Waterloo’s Professional Development program (WatPD) offers a unique opportunity designed to equip University of Waterloo co-op students with the employability skills that are essential to becoming integral members of the workforce. In fact, according to a survey of 150 Canadian employers, the competencies covered in WatPD courses such as communication, problem solving and teamwork rank as the most desired skills when hiring entry-level candidates.

WatPD courses are completed online, entirely outside of work hours, by students while on a co-op work term. All WatPD courses are for academic credit, and after the first two courses, students can choose which others they wish to take, depending upon their areas of interest. As a result, students can further customize their education, helping them to foster the skills that will benefit them most in the future.

For more information, please visit the WatPD website.

Hire Kinesiology

​Employers: If you or someone you know could benefit from a kinesiology co-op student at your organization, see Hire Kinesiology for more information or contact the Co-op department at hire.talent@uwaterloo.ca or 1-877-928-4473 (toll-free).