Co-op in Environmental Science
Acadia University’s Co-op Program is nationally accredited and integrates study terms with paid, discipline-related work terms. Co-op students complete a minimum of three 4-month work terms or a 12 or 16-month internship. Students apply to Co-op at the beginning of their 2nd year, but 3rd year students are also welcome (depending on total credits completed). All Co-op students participate in mandatory professional development workshops and receive one-on-one coaching in resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and workplace professionalism. Students starting their first Co-op work term during or after the summer of 2020 will receive 2 credit hours for each Co-op course completed (up to a total of 6 credit hours, counting as two elective courses towards graduation requirements). Students who have started their first Co-op work term prior to the summer 2020 term, will receive 3 credit hours upon completion of their third Co-op work term (counting as one elective course towards graduation requirements).
In Environmental Science, having work experience upon graduation provides a distinct competitive advantage. Applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, students gain hands-on experience in their discipline. Co-op helps students determine their strengths and interests while exploring different work environments and test-driving potential careers. Employers from across Canada hire Co-op students to work on special projects and assist during peak periods while often evaluating them for future hire.
Recent employers include: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Parks Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Stantec Inc., Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and Acadia University
Testimonial
"I strongly recommend Acadia's Co-op program to all students. My Co-op experience allowed me to gain invaluable work experience and connected me with some amazing people in the environmental science field, including the professor who ended up supervising me for my honours thesis. Even through the added struggles that the COVID-19 pandemic presented, I could always reach out to my Co-op Coordinator and would receive nothing but unwavering support in reply."
Brianna Bowes
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science
(Co-op Option)