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
• 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.

If you’re a graduate student, you’ll need approval from your graduate adviser to take part in the co-op program. Download and complete the graduate co-op application form then contact the graduate co-op coordinator for help. You can apply by November 30 and March 31 each year.

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.

If you’re a graduate student, you’ll need approval from your graduate adviser to take part in the co-op program. Download and complete the graduate co-op application form then contact the graduate co-op coordinator for help. You can apply by November 30 and March 31 each year.

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.

If you’re a graduate student, you’ll need approval from your graduate adviser to take part in the co-op program. Download and complete the graduate co-op application form, then contact the graduate co-op coordinator for help. You can apply by November 30 and March 31 each year.

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.

If you’re a graduate student, you’ll need approval from your graduate adviser to take part in the co-op program. Download and complete the graduate co-op application form, then contact the graduate co-op coordinator for help. You can apply by November 30 and March 31 each year.

Optional 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 with Research In Motion
• 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, you can apply to the Computer Science Co-op Program after you have:

• completed your first academic term
• completed MATH 100 and CSC 110
• earned a minimum 4.5 GPA in courses taken from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Computer Science

To apply, download and complete the application form and drop it off at the Computer Science/Math Co-op office in ECS 204. You can apply by Sept 15 or Jan 15.

If admitted into the program, you’ll take part in a preparation course. You’ll need to sign the terms and conditions form at the start of your program—bring your signed copy to the co-op office in ECS 204.

If you’re a graduate student, you’ll need approval from your graduate adviser to take part in the co-op program. Download and complete the graduate co-op application form then contact the graduate co-op coordinator for help. You can apply by November 30 and March 31 each year.

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

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, you can apply to the Mathematics and Statistics Co-op Program after you have:

• completed your first academic term
• completed MATH 100 and CSC 110
• earned a minimum 4.5 GPA in courses taken from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Department of Computer Science

To apply, download and complete the application form and drop it off at the Computer Science/Math Co-op office in ECS 204. You can apply by Sept 15 or Jan 15.

If admitted into the program, you’ll take part in a preparation course. You’ll need to 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.

If you’re a graduate student, you’ll need approval from your graduate adviser to take part in the co-op program. Download and complete the graduate co-op application form then contact the graduate co-op coordinator for help. You can apply by November 30 and March 31 each year.