Due to the structured nature of co-op sequencing and expectation of balancing academics with work terms, co-op is only available to students in Honours academic plans.
NOTE: The information below will use a standard fall and winter scheduling template and is tailored to students applying direct from highschool. If you start studies in a winter or spring term, and/or are a transfer student and unsure if co-op can be an option for you, please connect with your SDS Advisor (once you are admitted with approved transfer credits).
Adding Co-op
There are three ways to access co-op as an SDS student, depending on what you apply to through OUAC. All options combine the major with co-op starting in second year (i.e. level 2A onwards). Visit our Course Recommendation page to see where SDS courses fit within a first-year plan.
Honours SDS (regular program)
Automatically in SDS major, must add co-op plan at the end of your first year.
- Maintain a full-time academic load in fall + winter terms (3-5 courses). Most students will take 3 SDS courses per term.
- SDS average must be above 70% by the end of your 1B (winter) term.
- i.e. add all final grades for SDS-counted courses and divide by the total number of those courses
- Request the addition of co-op via plan modification form; send to your academic advisor in March.
Honours Arts Co-op (SMI of SDS)
Automatically in co-op plan, must add SDS major at the end of your first year.
- Maintain a full-time academic load in fall + winter terms (3-5 courses). Take at least 2 SDS courses.
- SDS average must be above 70% by the end of your 1B (winter) term.
- Submit SDS as your first major in the "Declare Your Major" process (runs in March).
Honours Arts and Business Co-op (SMI of SDS)
Automatically in co-op plan, must maintain ARBUS average > 70% + add SDS major at the end of your first year.
- Maintain a full-time academic load in fall + winter terms (3-5 courses). Take at least 2 SDS courses.
- SDS average must be above 70% by the end of your 1B (winter) term.
- Submit SDS as your first major in the "Declare Your Major" process (runs in March).
Keeping Co-op
To keep your co-op plan active requires:
- Honours standing (in the SDS major or ARBUS + major)
- Full-time course loads during academic terms
- Following your designated sequence
- All additional co-op requirements
NOTES:
- Students with more than 6.5 units (13 courses) completed, including post-secondary transfer credits and credits completed outside the Faculty of Arts, are not eligible to transfer from a regular plan to a co-op plan within the Faculty of Arts. Students who have already successfully completed one or more work terms regardless of faculty may be considered for an exception to this rule - such exceptions will be determined by the admitting program.
- Students seeking to complete a BA in the Faculty of Arts as a second degree having already completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline at the University of Waterloo or elsewhere are not eligible for admission to a co-op plan.
Admissions questions? Email renison@uwaterloo.ca
