Co-operative Education
Co-operative Education allows students to obtain real work experience in the Computer Science field before graduation. Taking two years of education into the workplace, students are able to apply the knowledge they learned in class to the workplace environment. Increasing their chance of full-time employment post-graduation, establishing valuable employer contacts, and earning a competitive salary are just some of the numerous advantages co-op presents.
In the Computer Science field, having real work experience before graduation provides a crucial edge for obtaining post-graduation employment. Applying programming knowledge and other skills students are taught in class to real world problems gives the hands on experience not found in a classroom. Co-op has helped many students choose which field in Computer Science they are most interested in by exposing them to possible future workplace environments.

Students wishing to enrol in co-op must, at least, be in there second year of study, and have a cumulative gpa of 2.5 or more. Students which have less than three study periods left cannot enrol in co-op.
Computer Science students must complete three four-month work terms (with an optional fourth), or a 12 or 16 month internship in order to fulfill their Co-op option. Before entering the workforce, students attend co-op workshops and receive one-on-one coaching from a co-op coordinator, where skills such as resume design, business ethics, interview tips, etc. are improved.
For more details on co-op, please visit Acadia University's co-op website.
Student Experiences


Name: Matthew Tees Year of Study: 4th Degree: BCS
Employer: Dell Computers Inc. and Communications Security Establishment.
“I believe the co-op program offered me experience that I wouldn't have been able to obtain through just academics. It helped me become a better computer scientist and grow as a person. I would definitely recommend the co-op program if you are wanting to get the most out of your education at Acadia.”

Name: CJ Gerez Year of Study: 3rd Degree Program: BCSH
Employer: Annapolis Valley Flight Training Centre Inc
"The co-op program gave me the privilege of breaking into the aviation industry by connecting me with my employer. At this job, I was able to experience new and exciting challenges, both in and out of the air, that put into perspective all of the theory that we Iearned in class. I have received a return offer from my employer next summer and a full time offer once I graduate, and it's all due to the co-op program."