Program
overview

Our Co-op and Career office administers several different co-op programs. You'll find more info about mandatory and optional programs in the tabs to the right.

Mandatory programs (you’re automatically enrolled):

• Biomedical Engineering Co-op
• Civil Engineering Co-op
• Computer Engineering Co-op
• Electrical Engineering Co-op
• Mechanical Engineering Co-op
• Software Engineering Co-op

Optional programs (you must apply to take part):

• Computer Science Co-op
• Mathematics and Statistics Co-op
• Work Experience Program (optional program for students interested in a shorter, flexible co-op experience)

Mandatory
programs

Choose your program to learn about typical career paths and co-op requirements.
Note: If you're pursuing a BEng or BSEng Mechatronics and Embedded Systems Option, you only need to complete three work terms rather than four.

Computer Engineering Co-op

Computer Engineering Co-op

What do computer engineers do?

Computer engineers use engineering principles and science to make products that we use in everyday life, including iPods, radios, power grids and cell phone communication. They also take part in projects involving artificial intelligence and digital design.

How many work terms will you complete?

You’ll complete four four-month work terms in order to graduate with a degree in computer engineering.

How to apply

As an undergraduate computer engineering student, you’re automatically enrolled in the Engineering and Computer Science/Math co-op program when you’re admitted to the Faculty of Engineering. You’ll need to print and sign a copy of the terms and conditions at the start of your program—bring your signed copy to the co-op office in ECS 204.

Electrical Engineering Co-op

Electrical Engineering Co-op

What do electrical engineers do?

Computer engineers use engineering principles and science to make products that we use in everyday life, including iPods, radios, power grids and cellphone communication. They also take part in projects involving artificial intelligence and digital design.

How many work terms will you complete?

You’ll complete four four-month work terms in order to graduate with a degree in electrical engineering.

How to apply

As an undergraduate electrical engineering student, you’re automatically enrolled in the Engineering and Computer Science/Math co-op program when admitted to the Faculty of Engineering. You’ll need to print and sign a copy of the terms and conditions at the start of your program—bring your signed copy to the co-op office in ECS 204.

Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Mechanical Engineering Co-op

What do mechanical engineers do?

Mechanical engineers design, build and maintain a wide variety of machines and structures. They use complex math formulas to test the strength of different materials and find innovative ways to improve everyday objects like bikes, wheelchairs and cars.

How many work terms will you complete?

You’ll complete four four-month work terms in order to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering.

How to apply

As an undergraduate mechanical engineering student, you’re automatically enrolled in the Engineering and Computer Science/Math co-op program when you’re admitted to the Faculty of Engineering. You’ll need to print and sign a copy of the terms and conditions at the start of your program—bring your signed copy to the co-op office in ECS 204.

Software Engineering Co-op

Software Engineering Co-op

What do software engineers do?

Software engineers apply computer science and engineering principles to design, implement, test, maintain and evolve different software. They‘re the cornerstone of the information technology sector.

How many work terms will you complete?

You can complete a single 16-month internship with one employer, or complete four separate four-month work terms. The choice is yours!

How to apply

As an undergraduate software engineering student, you’re automatically enrolled in the Engineering and Computer Science/Math co-op program when you’re admitted to the Faculty of Engineering. You’ll need to print and sign a copy of the terms and conditions at the start of your program—bring your signed copy to the co-op office in ECS 204.

Optional
undergraduate programs

Interested in applying to Engineering and Computer Science/Math Co-op? Choose your program of interest to learn how to apply and what to expect as a co-op student.

Computer Science Co-op

Computer Science Co-op

Want to complement your academic program with paid work experience in computer science? Apply to the Computer Science Co-op Program and you’ll complete four four-month co-op work terms.

What jobs can computer science students do?

As a computer science student, you could work for employers in business, industry, research, education, government and the not-for-profit sector. Employers hire from right here in Victoria, across Canada and around the world.

On your co-op work term, you could:

• work on the latest Blackberry
• develop gaming software with Electronic Arts
• administer systems and networks for the National Research Council
• provide technical expertise to small businesses

Combined programs

If you’re completing a combined major in computer science and business, software engineering or health information science, you’ll be required to complete the co-op program. Co-op is optional for most other combined programs. Contact our office for details.

How to apply

If you’re an undergraduate student, please see the application criteria and instructions here.

Mathematics and Statistics Co-op

Mathematics and Statistics Co-op

Want to complement your academic program with paid work experience in mathematics and statistics? Apply to the Mathematics and Statistics Co-op Program and you’ll complete four four-month co-op work terms.

What jobs can mathematics and statistics students do?

As a mathematics and statistics student, you could work for employers in business, industry, research, education, government and the not-for-profit sector. Employers hire from right here in Victoria, across Canada and around the world.

On a co-op work term, you could:

• use cryptography with the Communication Security Establishment in Ottawa
• research health care trends for Statistics Canada
• conduct load research and measuring power consumption for BC Hydro
• monitor watershed use for the District of Campbell River
• perform statistical research for the Vancouver Island Health Authority

Combined programs

Co-op is optional for Math and Statistics combined programs.  Contact our office for details.

How to apply

If you’re an undergraduate student, please see the application criteria and instructions here.

Optional
graduate programs

Do you want to explore your research area in an industrial or business setting? Or expand your skill set to enhance your academic research? All graduate students in the Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics departments may join the co-op program with the permission of their academic supervisor.

Masters students who complete 2 work terms (8 months of work) and doctoral students who complete 3 work terms (12 months of work) graduate with Co-op Designation on their degree. Work terms do not have to be continuous and students can work for different employers on different work terms.

Completing at least one work term before graduation results a “work experience” endorsement on your degree.

How to apply

If you are a graduate student, drop by the Engineering and Computer Science/Math Co-op office in ECS Building Room 204 and pick up a Grad Co-op Application forms package. You can read more about the application criteria, instructions and pick-up a forms package on line, here.