Co-op learning

Leaders in co-op education

Explore careers, gain experience and earn money through North America's largest co-op program.

The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ founded co-operative education in Canada.With more than 70,000 participating employers world-wide, students have a huge network of employers to access when looking for co-op jobs.

Co-op student works with stroke survivor in rehabilitation setting.

Kinesiology co-op

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology is available through either the regular or co-op system of study.

Co-op students in Kinesiology find out how classroom learning is used in the workplace, and discover that what they've learned on work term provides an extra dimension to school work.

  • After first year, alternate between 4-month work terms, and 4-month study terms.
  • Gain almost 2 years of work experience. View a list ofÌýsample jobs.
  • Network with employers and build valuable contacts.
  • Earn money that can help you pay for school. View theÌýaverage salaryÌýrange for students in the Faculty of Health.
  • Develop essential skills through ourÌýProfessional Development Program (WatPD).

In addition, co-op students develop other valuable skills during work terms, such as clear and concise written and oral communication skills; software literacy; teamwork skills; creative and analytical problem-solving skills; organizational skills and expertise in time management.

Kinesiology work/study sequence

Ìý Fall Winter Spring
First year School School Off
Second year School School Co-op
Third year Co-op School Co-op
Fourth year School Co-op School
Final year Co-op School Graduate in June

Fall = September to December, Winter = January to April, Spring = May to August
School = 4-month school term
Co-op = 4-month co-op work term
Off = You can make your own plans for that term (work, travel, vacation, etc.)

For more information about co-op programming at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, visit the Co-operative Education website.

Professional Development Program (WatPD)

The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s Professional Development program (WatPD) offers a unique opportunity designed to equip University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ co-op students with the employability skills that are essential to becoming integral members of the workforce. In fact, according to a survey of 150 Canadian employers, the competencies covered in WatPD courses such as communication, problem solving and teamwork rank as the most desired skills when hiring entry-level candidates.

WatPD courses are completed online, entirely outside of work hours, by students while on a co-op work term. All WatPD courses are for academic credit, and after the first two courses, students can choose which others they wish to take, depending upon their areas of interest. As a result, students can further customize their education, helping them to foster the skills that will benefit them most in the future.

For more information, please visit theÌýWatPD website.

Hire Kinesiology

​Employers: If you or someone you know could benefit from aÌýkinesiologyÌýco-op student at your organization, see Hire KinesiologyÌýfor more information or contact the Co-op department atÌýhire.talent@uwaterloo.caÌýor 1-877-928-4473 (toll-free).