York University is piloting the introduction of Co-op programs. The first Co-op programs will be available to students in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, Biomedical Science Honours degree programs. It is expected that other academic programs will introduce Co-op in the coming years.
The York University Co-op Program provides students in specific programs with an opportunity to integrate their classroom learning with hands-on, paid, work experience related to their field of study. While on work term co-op students apply their classroom learning in a work environment, explore potential career options, and build relationships with colleagues and employers in their field of study. Co-op students will begin their first work term after their second year of classroom study and take part in a minimum of three, full-time, four-month work terms that alternate with periods of academic study.
Students interested in participating in the York University Co-op Program must be full time, Honours B.Sc. students specializing in one of the following programs of study:
The Lassonde School of Engineering also offers co-operative education programs. Please visit the Lassonde website for more information.
York University’s Co-op Program meets the following criteria as outlined by the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL):
- each co-op work situation is approved by York University as a suitable learning situation;
- the co-op student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing;
- the co-op student receives remuneration for the work performed;
- the co-op student’s progress on the job is monitored by York University;
- the co-op student’s performance on the job is supervised and evaluated by the student’s co-operative employer;
- the time spent on co-op work terms will be at least thirty per cent of the time spent in academic study.