Co-op in Environmental Science
Co-operative Education is an academic program that integrates study with paid, discipline related work experience. Co-op students gain an enriched understanding of their academic program through practical application. In addition they refine their employability skills, gain an understanding of career opportunities in their field, and gain an understanding of the realities of the workplace.
Environmental Science students complete 3 four-month work terms (with an optional fourth interspersed throughout their degree) or a 12 or 16-month internship between year 3 and 4 to complete the Co-op Option. Students enrol in Co-op in September of their 2nd year of study. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required. Students with only 3 terms of study remaining in their program are no longer eligible to enrol in Co-op.
All Co-op students attend workshops and receive one-on-one coaching in job preparation skills such as resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, business ethics, and more.
Each Co-op work term is a non-credit course, with applicable tuition fees, that is recognized on the student's transcript of marks.
For further details on Co-op, please visit the Co-op website.
Visit the Earth and Environmental Science Department.
Student Testimonials
"Co-op gave me a new experience each and every day; it gave me skills that I couldn't learn from the classroom. This experience also made me realize that what I was learning in the classroom is applicable to field research and would help me when seeking fulltime employment. Not only did I learn valuable work related skills, but my work gave me the opportunity to travel the province, meet important researchers and policy makers and experience Nova Scotia's wildlife from helicopter, boats, ATV's, trucks, and snowmobiles. These work terms have helped me to re-affirm my ambition to become a scientist. Co-op is a great, once in a life time experience. - Get out and enjoy it!"
Jason Power
'12 BSc Environmental Science and Biology (Co-op Option)
Co-op Work Terms
- Wildlife Ecologist Assistant (Furbearers and Upland Game Program), Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Division, Kentville, NS
- Aquatic Invasive Species Research Assistant, Nova Scotia Department Fisheries and Aquaculture(Inland Fisheries), Pictou, NS
"Joining the Co-op program at Acadia University was one of the best decisions I've made since enrolling at the university. Co-op has enriched my education by providing me with the chance to add an applied edge to my degree, which will benefit me greatly as I head out into the workforce.
My first work term was with a non-profit organization, Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation, as a field technician on the Mahone Bay Roseate Tern Recovery Project. I was able to experience a wide variety of working conditions such as: Office work, community involvement, and fieldwork. A major portion of this job was spent on the ocean monitoring islands for tern distribution, abundance, productivity, and success.
For my second and third work terms I moved across Canada to Calgary, Alberta to work for Stantec in their vegetation department; this was the cherry on top of my Co-op experience. Most of my summer was spent conducting various vegetation surveys all over the province allowing me to travel and experience Alberta firsthand. I feel very privileged to have this experience behind me as all of my work terms have met and exceeded my expectations."
Melissa Cull
'11 BSc Environmental Science (Co-op Option)
Co-op Work Terms
- Field Technician, Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation, Mahone Bay, NS
- Vegetation Ecologist (8 months), Stantec, Calgary, AB
About Co-op work experience in Malawi,
"The opportunity to be immersed in rural society is an invaluable learning experience. I was able to get a sense of the people and their spirit, their lifestyle and the land. Over time a mortar and pestle and a hoe had become more familiar than a knife and fork and I had gained a new perspective on western life. I saw first-hand the needs and limitations of capacity building with farmers, as well as the effectiveness of NGO's in Malawi and the challenges they face. For volunteers who want to see the direct effect their actions have on people, this is the place to be. It was a character building experience and I was continuously learning. My success depended almost entirely on the people I worked with, my ability to adapt and how quickly I was able to develop a thick skin."
Sarah Haverstock
'08 BSc Honours Environmental Science (Co-op Option)
Co-op Work Terms
- Environmental Database Co-op Student, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville, NS
- Natural Resource Management Advisor, World University Service of Canada, Malawi
Employer Upon Graduation: Environmental Educator, Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
Contact
Michelle Larsen
Co-op Coordinator
Science Co-op
Ph: (902) 585-1928
michelle.larsen@acadiau.ca
The deadline to enrol in any given Academic year is October 4th.
Faculty Liaison
Dr. Rob Raeside
Head/Professor
Earth & Environmental Science
Huggins 325
Ph: (902) 585-1323
rob.raeside@acadiau.ca
Sample
Work-Study Schedule
Year 1 Fall - Study
Year 1 Winter - Study
Year 1 Summer - Free
Year 2 Fall - Study
Year 2 Winter- Study
Year 2 Summer - Co-op 1
Year 3 Fall - Study
Year 3 Winter - Co-op 2
Year 3 Summer - Co-op 3
Year 4 Fall - Study
Year 4 Winter - Study
Year 4 Summer - Free or Optional Co-op 4
Year 5 Fall - Final Study Term
Please Note: The scheduling of Co-op work terms is done in conjuction with a Co-op Coordinator and Academic Advisor as it is highly specific to each individual student.