Co-op Program

Highly qualified students entering the Computer Science or Software Engineering program may request to undertake their studies in the co-op format. Its content is identical to that of the regular program, but co-op students alternate work terms and study terms. Work experience, sample job descriptions and academic specifics are given here:

• Computer Science Co-op
• Software Engineering Co-op

Work-term opportunities range from a variety of industrial, government, and consulting organizations in and out of town. Students are encouraged to choose placement in both public and private sectors, and to mix office experience with site work.

Co-op students must meet the academic requirements in order to remain in the co-op format. Liaison between students, employers, and the Co-op Institute is provided by the CSE Co-op Committee, which includes the students advisors, as well as the Co-op Program Director.

Why Co-op?

In the Co-operative Education Partnership, all partners benefit from the program:

• The student gains valuable work experience, earns a salary that can assist in financing his or her education, is exposed to different jobs in varied locations and can integrate academic studies with practical experience in the same field.
• The educational institution, through liaison with the industrial, business and government communities, can ensure that its curriculum is relevant and that its graduates achieve a high level of focused academic and professional competence.
• The employer gains a highly motivated worker with good general skills and can evaluate students for potential permanent employment. In addition, the employer can become a partner to ensure an education system responsive to a changing economy and marketplace.

Questions and Answers

Q. What is the co-op format?
A. In the co-op format, students alternate study terms with paid work terms, thus gaining practical experience and contact with potential employers.

Q. How are candidates selected for Co-op?
A. Students who have and maintain an average approximately 10% above their class are interviewed by the Institute for possible admission into the co-op format of our programs.

Q. When are students available for work terms?
A. In every term, there are some co-op students who leave school for work. Work terms last between twelve to sixteen weeks beginning in September, January and May.

Q. Will co-op students take longer to complete their program?
A. Co-op students can normally complete the program in 3 years for Computer Science programs, and in 4 years for the Software engineering Program.

Q. How do students and employers find each other?
A. Both groups have access to on-line, automated system that facilitates job posting, interview scheduling, viewing CV's and academic history.