Advantages of Co-op Option
Co-operative education is an opportunity to get a head start on a career. It permits students to develop key skills, explore career options, and graduate with 12 months of relevant experience. The Co-op option assists graduating students in achieving a competitive edge while generating experience within the industry.
Students who successfully complete the specified number of Co-op work terms receive a Cooperative Education Designation on their degree. This special designation signals to future employers that such students are not only well educated but experienced in the workplace.
Admission Requirements
The number of places in the Co-op option will initially be limited to 12 students per year who are applying directly from high school.
Students are required to have a 12U Math course, a minimum entrance average of 80%. In addition, it would be beneficial to have previous programming experience.
Movement Between Co-op and Regular Degree Programs
Students who are not admitted into the Co-op program directly from high school can apply for admission after arriving at Trent provided there are available spaces in the program. A waitlist will be maintained and students will be informed if places become available.
Applicable Degree Programs
The Co-op option at Trent will be available to students in one of four degree programs:
- B.Sc. single-major Honours in Computer Science
- B.Sc. single-major Honours in Computer Science with a Specialization in Computer Science
- B.Sc. single-major Honours in Computer Science with a Specialization in Data Analytics
- B.Sc. single-major Honours in Computer Science with a Specialization in Software Engineering
Co-op Option Overview
To remain in the Co-op Option, students must achieve a minimum 75% average in COIS courses and a minimum 70% cumulative average throughout their study terms. In addition, Co-op students must continue to receive satisfactory evaluations during their work terms. Students pay an administrative fee for each work term, and no more than two placements can be completed with the same employer.
Structure of Co-op Option
Co-operative education combines academic instruction with practical experience. The Work-Study sequence in Computer Science consists of eight study terms interspersed with three work terms. The first work term occurs during the Fall (Sep.-Dec) term of Year 2.