Co-op in Psychology

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 Psychology, 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: Valley Regional Hospital Foundation, L'ARCHE Homefires, Open Door Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Elizabeth Fry Society, True North Clinical Research, and Halifax Transit

 

Testimonial

"Acadia’s Co-op program has provided me with valuable experience and helped me improve my transferrable skills throughout my three work-terms. I now have connections with many different organizations, two of which I work for today!  Co-op has allowed me to test the waters and determine what I really want out of a career. I would highly recommended Acadia’s co-op program because it helps you get a sense of what your possible career can look like. Your placements will help you figure out what setting you would like to work in and what kind of job you would like to do."

Raeghan Brydon
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
(Co-op Option)