The "Co-op option" offers a unique opportunity for a few well-qualified students to combine their academic studies with practical work experience in positions related to their professional preparation. Students compete for positions in government, political parties, the media, and private organizations by the University's Department of Co-operative Education and Career Services. Two on-campus study terms are followed by two off-campus work terms. The student then returns to campus to complete the thesis or master's research paper. The work experience enriches the perspective of the student, providing both a stimulus and a testing ground for the formal academic studies and independent research.
To be eligible for consideration for admission to the co-op program, students must attain at least an 83% (A-) average in their graduate coursework for the Fall Term and have no incomplete (INC) grades. The number of places in the co-op program is limited; candidates must compete for the available positions.
In January, after the fall term marks are available, the Graduate Affairs Committee decides on admissions to the co-operative program. The Graduate Affairs Committee's decision in each case in final. Those admitted must contact the Co-operative Education Department in the first week of January and must attend weekly orientation seminars which begin in January.
During March, program participants will be interviewed by prospective employers on campus. It is up to the student, in consultation with The Graduate Officer to decide for which available positions he/she wishes to be interviewed. There is no guarantee that a student admitted to the Co-op option will be placed.
All students accepted in the co-op program will complete two work terms (Spring Term and Fall Term -- from May to December), following two terms in the MA program. Students on a work are not required to pay tuition fees.