Cooperative education is “hands-on” education, extending the learning process beyond the classroom into the workplace by alternating academic terms with paid study-related co-op terms. Here’s how our program works: Co-op students apply in their second year and enter the program in their third year, where they alternate academic terms with work terms, and graduate with 12-16 months of work experience in the real world, a network of valuable contacts and the skills to successfully transition into graduate studies or a career. Often co-op students find permanent employment with a former co-op employer or a supervisor for their graduate studies.
Students must complete SCIENCE 2C00 – Skills for Career Success in Science before their first work term (preferably in Level 2), as well as prerequisite courses for the specific co-op program (see the McMaster Undergraduate Calendar). If admitted to a co-op program, you must also complete SCIENCE 3C00 – Advanced Job Search Skills for Science Co-op Students, before your first work term.
Co-op students pay a $3,974.63 co-op fee over three years. This includes a yearly $236.61 administration fee, with the remainder paid in 3 or 4 equal installments during your work terms.
While you are not guaranteed a job, the Science Careers & Experience Centre works in partnership with co-op students to help them find a position. Co-op students receive access to an exclusive co-op job board, and are shown how to actively pursue other opportunities through their own networks.
Our admissions applications open in the fall of each year, for admission for the following September. If you are applying in year three, for entrance in your year four, the co-op sequence and requirements will differ from that of a student entering in year three. If you apply in year three and are admitted, you will need to meet with the Program Manager Co-op to discuss your co-op sequence and how these fit with your academic requirements. Please note, to successfully complete co-op, the student must maintain full time student status, complete a minimum of three work terms (four months each) and three academic terms. The co-op sequence will allow only for back-to-back work terms (4 months + 4 months) once. Here is an example sequence:
This reduced sequence will allow you to gain co-op experience while adding only one year to your undergraduate degree. To maintain full-time status; you must complete a minimum of nine units per academic term.
Positions on OSCARplus are located all across Canada, with the majority being within the Greater Toronto Area. Your willingness to travel will directly affect the number of opportunities available to you. International work terms are possible, but require you to invest more time in your personalized job search.
Each September, the Science Career Expo offers a unique opportunity to explore entry-level science careers. Hear directly from students who have recently completed their first co-op work experience and gain valuable insights.
At the Science Career Expo, you will: