Computer Science Co-op
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities through Co-operative Education (Co-op) and other WIL programs are available to students in both the Bachelor of Applied Computer Science (BACS) and Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) degree programs. These programs integrate academic studies with practical work experiences in order to equip Computer Science students with the knowledge and initial experience needed to develop expertise and excel in their career.
Computer Science Co-operative Education
Computer Science Co-operative Education (CS Co-op) is a program where academic study in a student’s chosen field of study is combined with career-related work experience. CS Co-op students pursue three work terms that are discipline-related, career-focused and paid starting the program in second year. Co-op work terms are interspersed with academic study terms so that students apply what they learn in class to real-world work situations and then upon returning to campus, apply what they learn at work to their classroom studies, thereby enriching their learning. It also helps students to explore their career options by test-driving different work environments before they graduate. Students who successfully complete the Co-op program receive a Co-op degree designation upon graduation will have gained valuable work experience enabling them to make informed career choices.
Computer Science Work Experience Program
Computer Science Work Experience Program (CS WEP) is available for undergraduate students in Computer Science who did not enrol in Co-operative Education and wish to have access to a work-integrated learning experience. The intended target group are full-time CS students who are not in Co-op and would benefit by having an opportunity to develop some professional skills and competencies as well as explore a career option through an applied work-integrated learning context. CS WEP is available to students in third-year who have not already enrolled in the CS Co-op program.
Computer Science Co-op and WEP Study and Work Term Schedules
The CS Co-op program allows students to alternate periods of study with periods of university approved, full-time, paid employment. The period of employment is called a work term and is normally four months (min of 14 weeks) in length. CS Work Experience program offers one (1) four-month work term experience. Depending on their study plan, students will have the choice of two options to pursue a single work term either in the winter of year 3 or fall of year 4. Please refer to the typical study and work term sequence table below.
|
Year
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
F
|
W
|
S
|
|
CS Co-op
|
S1
|
S2
|
Off
|
S3
|
S4
|
W1
|
S5
|
W2
|
S6
|
W3
|
S7
|
S8
|
|
|
|
| |
S1
|
S2
|
Off
|
S3
|
S4
|
W1
|
S5
|
W2
|
S6
|
W3
|
S7
|
S8
|
|
|
|
CS WEP
|
S1
|
S2
|
Off
|
S3
|
S4
|
S5
|
S6
|
W
|
S7
|
S8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S1
|
S2
|
Off
|
S3
|
S4
|
Off
|
S5
|
S6
|
S7
|
W
|
S-8
|
|
|
|
|
Admission & Eligibility
Admission into CS Co-op and WEP is a competitive process and not guaranteed. Interested students must apply to be admitted and must do so before the application deadline. Intake for student applications take place as follows:
- CS Co-op at the beginning of the second year of study
- CS WEP during second year of study
Computer Science students applying for CS Co-op or CS WEP must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Enrolled full-time in Bachelor of Applied Computer Science or Bachelor of Computer Science degree
- Have a CGPA at a minimum of 2.5 and in good academic standing
- Successfully fulfilled the applicable academic requirements for BACS or BCS including successful completion of:
- CSCI 2100.03 Workplace Communications for Computer Science, with a grade of C or higher
- CSCI 2110.03 Data Structures and Algorithms, with a grade of C or higher
- CSCI 2134.03 Software Development, with a grade of C or higher
- CSCI 2141.03 Introduction to Database Systems, with a grade of C or higher
- Successfully complete CSCI 8890.00 prior to the start of the job search
- Eligible to work in Canada. International students must apply for and receive their Co-op Work Permit prior to the start of the work term (Proof of application is required prior to initiating the job search)
- Proficient in oral and written English
- Motivated and capable of handling the extra workload of preparing for and actively participating in a job search while carrying a full course load
- Computer Science Work Experience Program: In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, CS WEP students must
- Not have already participated in CS Co-op,
- Not already Opted Out of CS Co-op; or
- Not be otherwise declared ineligible to continue in Co-op
Students with questions or seeking advice are welcome to meet with their WIL Co-op Coordinator or the Faculty Co-op Advisor for Computer Science (see below).
|
Faculty/Department
|
Contact
|
Email
|
|
WIL Co-op Office
|
|
General Inquiries
|
“Ask Co-op"
|
askcoop@dal.ca
|
|
Co-op Coordinator
|
Haley Glenen
|
haley.glenen@dal.ca
|
|
Academic Faculty Co-op Advisors
|
|
Faculty Co-op Advisor
|
Faculty of Computer Science |
fcscoop@dal.ca
|
Further details on Computer Science Co-op and WEP can be found on the WIL Co-op office’s website at dal.ca/wil.