Why Choose Co-op?
Cooperative education is “hands-on” education, extending the learning process beyond the classroom into the workplace by alternating academic terms with paid study-related co-op terms. Here’s how our program works: Co-op students apply in their second year and enter the program in their third year, where they alternate academic terms with work terms, and graduate with at least one year of work experience in the real world, a network of valuable contacts and the skills to successfully transition into graduate studies or a career. Often co-op students find permanent employment with a former co-op employer or a supervisor for their graduate studies.
Requirements
- Complete Science 2C00: Skills for Career Success in Science in Year 2
- Ensure you have met all academic requirements for your co-op program of interest. Check the Undergraduate Calendar for requirements.
- Attain at least a 5.0 GPA. Note: Co-op admission requirements are typically much higher.
- If unsure if you meet academic course requirements please meet with the Program Advisor for the academic program you wish to apply to.
Benefits of Co-op:
- Apply the skills and knowledge acquired in academic terms in a real-world work setting.
- Gain practical relevant work experience.
- Network within organizations and make contact with potential employers and supervisors.
- Explore career choices in order to make more informed decisions upon graduation.
- Opportunity to travel inside and outside of Canada.
- Improve job search and professionalism skills including writing resumes and cover letters, handling job interviews, interacting with co-workers and employers, communications and more.
Other Considerations:
- Co-op is a 5-year program, with in an extra year of academic study.
- A separate co-op fee applies.
Expandable List
Decide If Cooperative Education Is Right For You
- Attend a co-op information session to learn about the program in greater detail. Check OSCARplus and navigate to Science > Co-op for details.
- Speak to upper-year Co-op Ambassadors to learn more about their experiences.
- Talk to a career advisor in the SCCE to discuss whether co-op fits with your career goals.
Ensure You Meet All Application Requirements
- Complete Science 2C00: Skills for Career Success in Science in Year 2
- Ensure you have met all academic requirements for your co-op program of interest. Check the Undergraduate Calendar for requirements.
- Attain at least a 5.0 GPA. Note: Co-op admission requirements are typically much higher.
Apply On OSCARplus!
- Applications for the Science co-op program close on January 6, 2025.
- Instructions on how to apply for co-op on OSCARplus
- Students need to meet the requirements in the academic calendar to apply.
- Applications are open until January 6, 2025.
- OSCARPlus/Science/Co-op/Applications
- If you have any issues contact scicoop@mcmaster.ca
What Are The Requirements To Apply For Co-op?
Students must complete SCIENCE 2C00 – Skills for Career Success in Science before their first work term (preferably in Level 2), as well as prerequisite courses for the specific co-op program (see the McMaster Undergraduate Calendar). If admitted to a co-op program, you must also complete SCIENCE 3C00 – Advanced Job Search Skills for Science Co-op Students, before your first work term.
Is There A Fee To Participate In Co-op?
Co-op students pay a $3,962.75 co-op fee over three years. This includes a yearly $232.65 administration fee, with the remainder paid in 3 or 4 equal installments during your work terms.
Am I Guaranteed A Job?
While you are not guaranteed a job, the SCCE office works in partnership with co-op students to help them find a position. Co-op students receive access to an exclusive co-op job board, and are shown how to actively pursue other opportunities through their own networks.
What Do I Need To Know If I Want To Apply To Co-op In Level Three?
Our admissions applications open in the fall of each year, for admission for the following September. If you are applying in year three, for entrance in your year four, the co-op sequence and requirements will differ from that of a student entering in year three. If you apply in year three and are admitted, you will need to meet with the Program Manager Co-op to discuss your co-op sequence and how these fit with your academic requirements. Please note, to successfully complete co-op, the student must maintain full time student status, complete a minimum of three work terms (four months each) and three academic terms. The co-op sequence will allow only for back-to-back work terms (4 months + 4 months) once. Here is an example sequence:
| Year | Term | Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth Year | Fall | Academic Term |
| Fourth Year | Winter | Work Term 1 |
| Fourth Year | Summer | Work Term 2 |
| Fifth Year | Fall | Academic Term |
| Fifth Year | Winter | Work Term 3 |
| Fifth Year | Summer | Academic Term |
This reduced sequence will allow you to gain co-op experience while adding only one year to your undergraduate degree. To maintain full-time status; you must complete a minimum of nine units per academic term.
Where Are The Co-op Jobs Located?
Positions on OSCARplus are located all across Canada, with the majority being within the Greater Toronto Area. Your willingness to travel will directly affect the number of opportunities available to you. International work terms are possible, but require you to invest more time in your personalized job search.
Each September, the Science Career Expo offers a unique opportunity to explore entry-level science careers. Hear directly from students who have recently completed their first co-op work experience and gain valuable insights.
At the Science Career Expo, you will:
- Explore poster presentations from 13 different programs, showcasing a wide range of career paths and opportunities.
- Learn about careers that align with your degree and discover how they can shape your professional journey.
- If you’re curious about co-op programs, this is your chance to hear directly from co-op students about their experiences and how these opportunities can enhance your career prospects.
- Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with the science industry and kickstart your career!