Co-Operative Education (Co-op) Program

 

Co-op is an educational program in which students alternate periods of academic study in the classroom with periods of full-time co-op employment in positions related to their academic and/or career interests. Work experience in areas such as government, business, industry, and human services enhances the students’ academic training.

This professional and educational experience is documented on the student’s official college transcript and is viewed as a valuable asset by potential employers.

This combination provides an integrated learning experience that enhances both the academic experience and career development. There are many benefits to being a co-op student; the most important being the hands-on, related experience you gain during your co-op term. The experience you gain may help you secure a full-time job after graduation and help you develop contacts in your profession.

Co-op is also a great opportunity to explore your career options; each co-op position will help to confirm you have chosen the right profession or give you the opportunity to explore different options.

Co-op vs. Internship program

Internships typically occur during the summer and can last up to 8 weeks. In the Co-op Program, Students can spend one or two semesters at work. They can also spend one full academic year at work. Co-op employment can start at the beginning of any semester.

Co-op is not part of the study plan, but it is totally optional to all students. Students employed through the co-op program will have their maximum period allowed at school extended by the same length of time spent at work. This professional experience is documented on the student’s official college transcript.

Who can attend in Co-op program?

Co-op is open to all 3rd and 4th - year students in 4-years specializations, and 4th and 5th-year students in 5-years specializations, depending on the announced openings at the beginning of the semester. 

Fees

During co-op employment, students will pay all fees except the credit hours fees in order to maintain their status as regular students and to be able to benefit from all services at school. However, Co-Op Students are paid partial salary by their employers during Co-Op program.

Follow-up

A faculty member from each faculty will be assigned to follow up on the issues related to students working through the co-op program. Among these issues will be all paperwork and correspondence with employers at the beginning and end of the work term, frequent visits to work venues, documentation…etc. At the end of the work term, the employers will be requested to fill out an evaluation form for the students, and the students will be requested to fill out a feedback questionnaire.