Co-op Opportunities

What you need to know about Co-op

What is it?

Co-operative Education provides students with a well-rounded education that is founded both in academic theory and real world application.  By combining semesters of study with semesters of full-time, paid employment in career-related positions, students are able to:
• Gain hands-on experience related to their academic program;
• Explore different career options and clarify career goals;
• Learn how to compete confidently in the job market.

How do I get in?

Students who are in secondary school can apply to most co-op programs at the University of Windsor on the Ontario Universities Application form. No separate application form is necessary and admission will be based on academic achievement. For secondary school students interested in Engineering and Kinesiology, the process is slightly different.  Engineering students with a high school average of 75% or higher in their best six courses in their final year of secondary school will receive an invitation to participate in the co-op program in first year.  Kinesiology students will have the opportunity to apply for the co-op program during the winter semester of their first year.

Students not admitted directly out of high school may apply to most programs early in September during their first or second year and should contact the Centre for Career Education for more information.  Admission during these entry points will be based on academic achievement, an assessment of the student’s resume, previous work and volunteer experience and, in some cases, an admission interview.

Are the placements paid?

By combining semesters of study with semesters of full-time, paid employment in career-related positions, students are able to earn a salary to help offset the cost of tuition (all work placements are paid, full-time positions).

Will my degree take longer if I take the co-op program?

Co-operative Education work terms are incorporated into a 12-month academic year. In most programs, students graduate in August of their fourth year of study.

Where will I work on my co-op placement?

The location of placement opportunities varies.  Although most are in Ontario, students are open to pursue placements anywhere in Canada, as well as in many other countries around the globe.

Does the University find me a co-op position?

Co-operative Education at the University of Windsor is a partnership between students, employers and the University.  The Centre for Career Education will work with students to help them develop their job search skills, find appropriate placements and define career goals.  Employers will provide students with challenging work experiences that develop their transferrable job skills.  Faculty members will evaluate student work and help integrate experience from the workplace into the classroom. Our programs provide a diverse range of opportunities yet are structured to offer students individual attention.

What UWindsor programs offer co-op?

• Business Administration
• Business Administration/Computer Science
• Computer Science
• Engineering: Civil; Electrical; Environmental; Mechanical (with or without options in Automotive Materials, Environmental or Aerospace); Industrial (with or without Business minor)
• Kinesiology
• Physics; Physics (with Thesis); Physics (Physics and High Technology); Physics (Physics and High Technology with Thesis);
• Physics (Medical Physics); Physics (Medical Physics with Thesis)