Computer Science & Software Engineering Co-op Student Information
About The Program
The Bachelor of Computing Degree, with majors in Computer Science and Software Engineering, teaches software development, data structures, algorithms, teamwork, and professional standards. The Computer Science major has a greater emphasis on algorithm design & analysis, theory of computation, and math. The Software Engineering major focuses more on design methodologies, team development, and project management. Both majors take courses in system analysis & design and software engineering, along with electives in testing, networking, HCI, computational intelligence, graphics, game programming, security, and parallel programming. At Guelph, computing students have the unique opportunity to study an “area of application”. These elective courses, drawn from another academic discipline, allow for both specialization and diversity. As such, a student can combine their degree with a variety of disciplines (music, psychology, business, math, etc.)
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Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided throughout the co-op experience. Students will complete a comprehensive course preparing them for the co-op employment process, and will receive guidance from a knowledgeable team of staff dedicated to their development and success.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Student Strengths
Collaboration
We teach collaborative, team-based design coursework (agile methodology), and our students integrate easily in software design teams.
Knowledge
Students will complete ten core computing courses, including intermediate programming, objectoriented programming, and operating systems before their first work term.
Application
Students possess strong technical knowledge researching data structures, algorithm design and analysis, software engineering, and database management. C, Java, Python and SQL are the primary languages used in our curriculum.
Understanding
Students master core topics including computer organization, operating systems, Linux, and OSX.
Sample Jobs
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Software Developer
- IT Support / Helpdesk
- Software Engineer
- Quality Assurance
- Network Tester
- Product Support Analyst
- Database Analyst
- Game Programmer
- Mobile Developer
- Web Developer/Editor
- Technology Risk Consultant
Sample Employers*
- D2L
- Camis
- Magnet Forensics
- SunLife Financial
- TD Lab
- Amazon
- Wave
- Sonova
- Interac
Game Programmer
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.