Co-op education allows students to gain important workplace skills in an industrial or research setting to complement their academic studies.

Every student completes a co-op education program of three work terms. After the first year, students typically alternate between academic and work terms.

Ideally two of the three mandatory work terms should be completed in industry (ENSC 195, 295, 395) unless a student plans to pursue post-graduate studies. Students may participate in additional work terms but are encouraged to seek diversity in their experience. The three mandatory work terms may include one special co-op term (ENSC 196, 296, 396). Special co-op may include, but is not restricted to, self-directed, entrepreneurial, service or research co-op work terms. Permission of the engineering science co-op office is required.

An optional non-technical work term (ENSC 194) is also available through the engineering science co-op education office and is often completed after the first two study terms. ENSC 194 does not count toward the mandatory three course requirement.

The engineering science co-op program will also seek opportunities for students wishing to complete their thesis requirements in an industrial setting.