Co-operative Education is an academic program that integrates study terms with paid, discipline-related work terms. Students connect classroom concepts with real-life situations, gaining marketable skills and a deeper understanding of their discipline.

Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 and have completed between 24 and 75 credit hours at the time of application. Undergraduate students usually apply to the co-op program at the beginning of their second year but can apply at the beginning of their third year if they have not completed more than 75 credit hours. Graduate students apply in September of their first year. 

The specific degrees offering co-op can be viewed by clicking on the link below:

 http://co-op.acadiau.ca/degrees-with-co-op.html.

For graduate students, the program requires either one (MSc in Math) or two (MSc in Computer Science) 4-month work terms. For undergraduate students, three 4-month work terms or a 12 or 16-month internship is required.

For undergraduate students entering co-op at the beginning of second year, the first work term will begin the Summer following second year. For students entering co-op at the beginning of third year, the first work term will either be during the Winter term of third year or the Summer following third year. The scheduling of work terms will be determined in consultation with your Coordinator.

All undergraduate students have the option to complete a work term by starting or operating their own business in lieu of working for an employer. Students can develop or implement a new product or service or work toward growing an existing business. They will receive valuable mentorship from an industry expert, entrepreneur, or consultant. In addition to the eligibility requirements for a regular co-op work term, the following apply to Entrepreneurial Co-op:

1. Students must have completed at least one regular co-op work term
2. Students must have completed BUSI 2773 (non-business students are required to request special permission from the course instructor to waive the BUSI 1703 pre-requisite)
3. Students must submit a proposal (3-page minimum) to their Coordinator for approval. Using the appropriate format and model (learned about in BUSI 2773), the proposal must describe the product or service being developed or offered, the industry and market being entered, the objective of the venture, the strategy to be taken during development or implementation, and how remuneration and/or funding will be generated
4. Students can complete more than one Entrepreneurial Co-op work term and a continuation of an existing business will be considered

All co-op students participate in mandatory professional development workshops and receive one-on-one mentoring and support from a designated  Coordinator to help prepare for co-op work terms. After an intake meeting with your Coordinator, and your resume has been approved for use, you will be granted access to an exclusive job board to view and apply to jobs.

Each work term is considered an academic course and is noted on a student’s transcript with a Pass or Fail grade. Undergraduate students will receive two credit hours for each co-op course completed (up to a total of six credit hours, counting as two elective courses towards graduation requirements). If completing a 12 or 16-month internship, undergraduate students will receive six credit hours upon competition. Students will not receive more than six credit hours from co-op.  

Graduate students do not receive credit towards graduation requirements.

Students are encouraged to enter the co-op program at the beginning of their second year as it provides more scheduling options.

• Co-op students have the option to work in different areas of their discipline to discover what their work preferences are. Students are often considered by employers for full-time hire after they graduate!
• Acquire a deeper understanding of course material through real-world experience.
• Co-operative Education allows students to earn money as they progress through their degree.
• Access opportunities only available to co-op students. Employers are coming directly to Acadia to hire co-op students. Co-op opens doors to provincial/federal government, companies and not-for-profit organizations.
• Complete work terms anywhere in Canada. We have employers from across the country, allowing for the chance to travel. Sometimes, international opportunities arise as well.
• Network with professionals and establish connections.
• Develop excellent job search, resume, cover letter, and interview skills. Through attending professional development workshops, constantly updating your resume and cover letters, as well as interviewing, students will harness their professional development skills by the time they graduate. This gives them a strong competitive advantage over other students who have not had experience and guidance from a Coordinator.