All Software Engineering students participate in the year-round co-op system of study, which alternates between four-month study terms at university and four-month work terms in business, industry, or government. While on work terms, you'll experience how software engineering concepts are applied in the real world, and earn a salary at the same time. The Software Engineering program has six work terms, with the first work term starting in the Spring of your first year. Because of the work terms, it takes just under five years to complete the program, but you'll graduate with up to two years of full-time work experience.
| Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
| F |
W |
S |
F |
W |
S |
F |
W |
S |
F |
W |
S |
F |
W |
| ST |
ST |
WT |
ST |
WT |
ST |
WT |
ST |
WT |
ST |
WT |
ST |
WT |
ST |
F = September - December; W - January - April; S = May - August
ST =study term; WT= Work term
The Co-operative Education & Career Services office will work with you to find co-op jobs. They develop employment opportunities, advertise jobs, schedule interviews, and match employers with students. The Department's field co-ordinators offer support and advice when you are on work term. Average weekly salaries range from about $498 to $696, generally increasing with education level and experience. As a Software Engineering student, you can earn $50,000 to $60,000 over the course of your studies.
Example first-term co-op jobs
- Junior Web Developer, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Developing web-based workflow applications using Microsoft technologies.
- Graphics Controller, ATI Technology, Video driver testing using image capturing and automated functional test development.
- Software Developer, Parametric Technology Corporation, User Interface development with Java servlets, XML and JavaBeans.
- Software Quality Associate, Research In Motion, User testing of the functionality of proprietary RIM Blackberry software.
- Java Programmer, Epicad Design, Developing wireless applications for the RIM Blackberry handheld devices.
- Junior Programmer, Blount Canada Ltd., Developing internal web-based administrative workflow applications.
- Java Developer, Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, Developing web-based software to bring current MTO services to the Internet.
- Localization Quality Assurance Specialist, Roxio Inc., Testing the latest versions of VideoWave and PhotoSuite software products in 11 different languages.
- Software Developer, Pozitive Computers, Designing and developing custom database applications for Windows.
- Programmer, Personal Computer Diagnostics Inc., Designing and developing a web-based on-line payment system.
- Lab Assistant, Bell Mobility, Testing the integration of hardware and software components for cellular networks
- Test Application Developer, Research In Motion, Designing and implementing TCP stacks for use in wireless devices
