Prospective Students

Not sure where your Communication studies will take you?

Co-op offers the opportunity to try out different areas within the communication industry. Through working with your Co-op Coordinators, you’ll be coached to develop job search tools and transition into the workplace. On the job, you’ll be paid by your employer while learning hands-on skills. Plan your degree to alternate between work terms and study terms, and graduate with at least one year of relevant work experience. Building your skills and creating a professional network will enhance your opportunities for landing a job post-graduation.

Curious to know what Communication Co-op is like from a student perspective?

See Our Communiqué Blog

Application Requirements

School of Communication Student

Pursuing or intending a major or minor in Communication.
CMNS 110 and 130 completed or in progress.
CMNS 120 completed prior to first work term.

*If you were declared into CMNS in Fall 2021 or earlier, CMNS 120 is not required for Co-op.

Academic Requirements

Registered as a full-time student (minimum of 9 units)
At least CGPA of 2.7
Less than 80 units completed (Ideally apply between 24 and 70 units.)
*If your CGPA is lower than 2.7 or if you have more than 80 units completed, please see a Co-op Coordinator to discuss your options - do not wait to apply)

Work Permits (International Students)

International students are required to obtain a valid Co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying to SFU Co-op jobs. Once accepted into the Co-op program, you will be issued a letter to include in your work permit application. We recommend applying for the work permit as early as possible, as processing times can be lengthy.

Planning for Co-op

Your Timeline to Starting Communication Co-op

TO START WORKING IN FALL
BY END OF FEBRUARY	SPRING	SUMMER	FALL
1) Apply to Co-op	2) Complete Orientation and Workshops	3) Apply to Co-op jobs	4) Start Your First Work Term!
TO START WORKING IN SPRING
BY END OF JUNE	SUMMER	FALL	SPRING
1) Apply to Co-op	2) Complete Orientation and Workshops	3) Apply to Co-op jobs	4) Start Your First Work Term!
TO START WORKING IN THE SUMMER
BY END OF OCTOBER	FALL	SPRING	SUMMER
1) Apply to Co-op	2) Complete Orientation and Workshops	3) Apply to Co-op jobs	4) Start Your First Work Term!

Timeline to Starting CMNS Co-op.docx
Download a Microsoft word version of this timeline

Things to Consider

Students applying into the program should have a commitment to complete 3 or more work terms before graduation. Work terms should alternate with academic semesters and the final semester before graduation should be an academic semester.
New students should ideally join Co-op two semesters prior to your first Co-op work placement, while also keeping in mind the requirements above.
Searching for a Co-op work term is a lot like taking an extra course. Writing cover letters, preparing for and attending interviews can take a lot of time and effort but it pays off! We recommend taking a lighter course load during your seeking semesters.
As Co-op can be competitive, it is a good idea to develop applied skills and experience now! Build skills in social media, event planning, writing, design, through volunteering, SFU clubs, part-time work, creative projects, and online tutorials.
If you have any questions at any point, please connect with someone from the Communication Co-op team.

	Work in Fall 2023	Work in Spring 2024	Work in Summer 2024
Application Deadline	February 28th, 2023	June 30th, 2023	October 31st, 2023

Apply Now

We’ll respond to you within 10 business days to advise you of your acceptance to the program. Communication Co-op has specific steps that you will need to complete in order to be fully approved into the program.

Co-operative Education

Communication Co-op