Bachelor of Business Administration

1. How to Apply
2. What is Co-operative Education?
3. Who can do Co-op?
4. How will I get my Co-op work terms?
5. What does Co-op cost?
6. Will I be paid while I am on my Co-op work terms?
7. Will I get help when it comes time to prepare for my Co-op work terms?
8. How will I be graded on my Co-op courses?
9. Will there be support for me while I am on my Co-op work terms?

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1 . How to apply

• Submit a Co-op application package (including application form, student background form, copy of unofficial mruGradU8 transcripts and application letter) to the Co-operative Education coordinator by the required deadline

2. What is Co-operative Education?

Co-operative Education – or Co-op – is a program that formally integrates students’ academic studies with work experience.

• Students alternate academic semesters at Mount Royal University with periods of experience in appropriate work settings, which are approved by the institution as suitable learning situations
• Students complete three 4-month work terms to receive a Co-operative Education designation on their parchment (additional work terms are not available/offered)
• Co-operative Education students are engaged in productive work, are paid for the work performed, and are monitored by Mount Royal University
• Students’ on-the-job performance is supervised and evaluated by the employers
• Co-operative Education students understand the value of Co-op while on a work term, and commit to the process and requirements of the program

3. Who can do Co-op? 

In order to pursue Co-op, students must:

• Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, and maintain full-time status throughout their program
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0, with preference given to 2.5 students

Once accepted into the Co-op program, students must:

• Register and pay for the Orientation to Co-operative Education (OTC) course
• Attend the OTC classes and receive a “Pass” grade prior to the first work term
• Successfully complete 15 courses in their degree program and Co-op course requirements prior to their first work term
• Maintain minimum GPAs throughout their program; transcripts will be re-evaluated prior to each work term 

4. How will I get my Co-op work terms?

• Employers post job opportunities on the Career Services Student Recruitment and Job Bank website – based on industry participation and labour market conditions, and these are accessible by eligible Co-op and work experience students only
• Employers review the applications, shortlist, interview candidates, and offer the positions to the successful students
• Co-op students are expected to fully participate in the job competition process offered through Career Services
• Students who hesitate to apply for a wide range of opportunities usually have the greatest difficulty acquiring positions, while those who apply and interview for numerous positions enhance their chances of being successful
• Student self-marketing initiatives (i.e., looking for Co-op work terms independently), in areas of personal and professional interest, are also strongly recommended in order to increase students’ chances of success
• Positions that students find independently (“student-identified”) must be approved by the Co-operative Education coordinator prior to accepting offers
• Students must complete Orientation to Co-op (OTC) prior to commencing a work term

Please note: The availability and number of Co-op opportunities is dependent upon employers’ needs and labour market conditions. Many employers post opportunities at a number of post-secondary institutions – creating competition for available positions. Therefore, Co-op positions cannot be guaranteed.

5. What does Co-op cost?

• The Orientation to Co-operative Education course and Co-op work terms 1, 2, and 3 are all non-credit courses with fees. Consult the MRU Tuition and Fee Schedules for more information

6. Will I be paid while I am on my Co-op work terms?

Yes. Co-op students are paid competitive salaries based on the current job market and the specific industry.

7. Will I receive assistance when it comes time to prepare for my Co-op work terms?

• Orientation to Co-operative Education is a course designed to prepare students for the workforce
• Course materials and assignments are designed to assist students in achieving and maintaining a competitive edge in the job search process and workplaces
• Feedback from employers supports the necessity and value of student participation in the orientation course

8. How will I be graded on my Co-op courses?

Students who successfully complete the Orientation to Co-operative Education course, and work terms 1, 2, and 3, will be awarded an Experiential Pass (EP) grade for each. Please note: Additional work terms are not available/offered.

9. Will there be support for me while I am on my Co-op work terms?

Yes. During the three Co-op work terms, students have access to – and receive support from – their Co-operative Education coordinator.

• The Co-operative Education coordinator is there to assist students with the academic components of their work terms, as well as any work-related issues they might encounter
• Students will be required to complete assignments, work reports and projects specific to each program during each work term
• The Co-operative Education coordinator maintains ongoing contact with employers to ensure their needs are being met and answers any questions about work terms while continuing to promote further participation in the program
• Students are asked to complete a feedback form in the first month to let Career Services know how the job is going
• Students are encouraged to contact their Co-operative Education coordinator at any time if they have questions or concerns about their jobs or the workplace