X. Degree Programs

Co-operative Education Programs

Co-operative Education (Co-op), constitutes part of the student’s formal education and is available in over 35 majors for students. A form of experiential learning, Co-op is a model of education that integrates a student’s academic learning with periods of paid workplace learning in fields relevant to the student’s academic and personal/professional goals. The academic and work schedules will vary with degree program and major. The first co-op work term is scheduled after the third or fourth academic semester, providing an academic foundation on which to build the work experience.

Each co-op position is developed and approved in collaboration between the employer and Co-operative Education Career Services (CECS). Students participate in a competitive employment process to secure an approved co-op position that is relevant to the student’s area of academic study. COOP*1100 – Introduction to Co-operative Education, a mandatory, non-credit course, is a prerequisite for the first co-op work term and prepares the student for the employment process.

The student’s performance in the workplace is supervised and evaluated by the student’s employer using the Work Performance Evaluation tool. The student’s progress during the work term is also monitored by CECS, which may include a site visit during the co-op work term and a review of the student’s official Learning Goals. A Co-op Work Report is required for each co-op work term and is graded by an assigned Co-op Faculty Advisor. All evaluation grades will appear on the student’s official transcript.

The Co-operative Education program at the University of Guelph is accredited by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE), therefore standardized guidelines regarding co-op programs will be followed at all times.

Course requirements and schedules of studies for specific majors are listed under the appropriate degree program in this section.

In addition to Co-operative Education CECS supports, trains and leads students and alumni as they make career and further education planning decisions. Successful students connect with CECS early in their academic career and take full advantage of the career planning and job search services offered. CECS helps students to discern “what to do with their degree”. As well, the CECS job posting service, Recruit Guelph, provides online job postings including full-time, part-time, contract, seasonal, summer and internships. Job & Career Fairs and employer networking events also provide exposure to the working world. Please refer to https://www.recruitguelph.ca/cecs/ for more information.