All about Co-operative Education
What is Co-op?
Co-operative Education (or Co-op) is an optional program that formally integrates students' academic studies with paid work experience.
- Students alternate academic study semesters with periods of approved field-related work experience
- 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-op students are engaged in productive work, paid for the work performed and monitored by a Co-op coordinator
- Students' on-the-job performance is supervised and evaluated by the employer
What can Co-op do for you?
Industry-related work experience: Gain program-relevant experience and skills with the opportunity to work in different roles at a variety of employers
Finance your degree: All Co-op work terms are paid (average wage $21.73/hour)
Access a career network: Opportunity to build a professional network through recruitment events, networking, employer panels and work term mentorship
Develop job search skills: Learn techniques for writing effective resumes and cover letters, as well as interviewing skills (in person, telephone or video) that stand out to employers
Insight into career options: More awareness of program-related opportunities
Read about one Co-op student's successful work experience term during COVID-19.
Students who graduate with Co-op work experience:
- Have higher employment rates
- Get careers related to their education
- Earn more than other graduates
The Co-op program has provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the reality of the accounting industry. During my time in the program I made friends, memories and professional connections that I will carry with me for years to come. This experience has given me confidence in my abilities and has solidified my choice of career. The skills that I have learned will continue to benefit me for the entirety of my professional life, not to mention that without the Co-op program, I likely wouldn't have a job waiting for me post-graduation.
- Ethan Snidal
Fourth year BBA, Accounting Co-op student
Admission requirements:
1. Students must be registered in one of the following programs by Sept. 1, 2021, for the Fall 2021 term:
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Supply Chain
- International Business
- Social Innovation
- Bachelor of Science – Computer Science
2. Maintain full-time student status
3. Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher upon application
4. Completed fewer than 75 course credit hours by April 2021 (generally, students apply in their first or second year)
5. Completed a minimum of 450 hours of work and/or volunteer experience within the last 3 years (does not need to be program-related)
Once accepted into the Co-op program:
- Register and pay tuition fee for the Orientation to Co-operative Education (OTC) course
- Successfully complete 15 courses in the degree program and Co-op course requirements prior to a first work term
Students will work with a designated Co-op coordinator throughout the Co-op program.
In Orientation to Co-op (OTC), students learn how to write targeted cover letters and resumes, how to conduct an effective job search, and develop and practice interviewing skills.
The OTC course is engaging and interactive with ample opportunity to work with peers and industry professionals. Course materials, experiences and assignments are designed to help students achieve a competitive edge in the job search process, their consecutive work terms and their careers.
- Expand expertise on career development skills and industry-specific career requirements
- Develop self through reflection in order to have the best fit in future endeavours and prepare for lifelong learning
- Build relationship skills and connections to support career goals and develop a professional network
- Design and deliver industry-specific solutions to obtain a successful work term and transition to future carer developments
Students must successfully complete OTC and receive a Pass grade before commencing a work term.
Employers post job opportunities on Career Services' MyCareerHub which are only accessible to Co-op and work experience students. Employers review applications, shortlist and interview candidates, and offer the positions to the successful applicants.
Students interested in a specific industry, career goal, employer or geographical location for their work term are encouraged to identify suitable employment opportunities. These positions must be approved by the Co-op coordinator prior to accepting offers.
Co-op students are paid competitive salaries based on the current job market and the specific industry; the average hourly pay rate for students in MRU Co-op is $21.73 (April 2019 to April 2020).
Each successfully completed work term will be awarded an Experiential Pass (EP) grade.
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. Co-op positions cannot be guaranteed.
Will there be student support while on Co-op work terms?
Yes. During the three Co-op work terms, students have access to and receive support from their Co-op coordinator. Students are encouraged to contact their Co-op coordinator at any time if they have questions or concerns about their jobs, the workplace or academic components of their work term.
- Students will be required to complete assignments and projects, graded by their Co-op coordinator
- The Co-op coordinator maintains ongoing contact with employers to ensure their needs are being met and answer any questions about work terms
All Co-op students pay tuition fees for each stage of the Co-op program. The OTC course and the three Co-op work terms are all non-credit courses with fees which contribute to the services offered by your Co-op office, such as professional development, job sourcing and application preparation support. For every work term a student secures, they will be registered in a Co-op course that will allow them to maintain full-time student status with the University. To register and pay course fees, login to MyMRU and click on the Register & Pay tab.
| Course | Tuition | Payment Due |
| Orientation to Co-operative Education (OTC) | $264.40 | May 15, 2021 |
| Work Term 1, 2, 3 | $528.80 | Prior to work term commencing; will be emailed by coordinator |
*Based on the 2020/21 fee schedule. Fees are subject to change.
Consult the MRU Tuition and Fee Schedule for more information.