CO-OP Education

What is CO-OP?

The CBU Co-operative Education Program is an excellent opportunity for students to combine their academic study with work experience and discover their passion. While working with a mentor in their field of study students will earn a wage, academic credit* and gain self knowledge, confidence and a competitive edge for future employment and/or educational pursuits (eligibility varies by program).

By joining the CBU Co-op Program you will:

Develop valuable job search skills
Learn about yourself and your goals within your chosen field
Identify your preferred work environment
Discover how your degree applies in the workplace with support from faculty members
Broaden your network/contacts with professionals who can provide career mentorship
Return to studies with relatable experience, confidence and self-knowledge!

How does CO-OP work?

Each work term consists of a full-time paid position that is a minimum of 12 weeks and/or 420 hours in length
Co-op Work Terms can take place in the Fall, Winter or Summer
You can arrange your own job and/or compete for positions posted by Career Services
You can work locally, nationally or internationally
While on Co-op, you are still considered to be a full-time student by both CBU and Canada Student Loan
For every work term you complete, you will be registered in a co-op course and pay the 3 credit course tuition fee. Registration in the course maintains your full-time student status with the university and is mandatory. You will receive 3-credits per co-op course which count toward your elective credits* (*varies by program).
While on your Work Term you will complete the following academic course requirements: creating initial goals/objectives with your employer, completing bi-weekly logs, a site visit by your Student Placement Officer, a final evaluation by your employer and a final reflective Work Term Report connecting your studies to your work experience.
This is a Pass/Fail course that will be graded by a faculty member from your discipline. Your grade in this course will not impact your overall GPA.
CBU follows national guidelines as defined by CEWIL. To earn a Co-op Degree credential, students must successfully complete 3 Co-op Work Terms (4 yr degree), 2 Co-op Work Terms (3 yr degree), 1 Co-op Work Term (2 yr, 60 credit, diploma).
You can take Co-op Work Terms back-to-back. Students must return to full-time studies for a minimum of one full-time semester (9 credits) prior to graduation.

Who can apply to enrol in the CO-OP Program?

Bachelor of Arts, 3 and 4 year degree programs, all disciplines
Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment, 4 year program
Bachelor of Arts Community Studies, 3 and 4 year programs, all disciplines (replaces Work Placement Core Courses COMS 2101/3101)
Bachelor of Business Administration, 4 year program, all disciplines
Bachelor of Engineering Technology, 3 year degree program only, available to Petroleum and Electronics & Controls concentrations only (*course credit not earned in this degree program)

How to Apply?

The Co-operative Education Program is delivered through the CBU Career Services Department. For more information and to join Co-op, contact your Student Placement Officer: