Prospective Students McMaster University
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Students - Co-op

Cooperative education is "hands-on" education, extending the learning process beyond the classroom into the workplace by alternating academic terms with paid study-related co-op terms. Here's how it works: co-op students enter the program in level 3 and alternate academic terms with work terms and graduate with at least one year of work experience in the real world, a network of valuable contacts and the skills to successfully transition into graduate studies or a career. Often co-op students find permanent employment with a former co-op employer or a supervisor for their graduate studies.

Benefits of Co-op

  • Apply the skills and knowledge acquired in academic terms in a real world work setting
  • Gain practical, relevant work experience
  • Network within organizations, make contact with potential employers and supervisors
  • Explore career choices in order to make more informed decisions upon graduation
  • Travel
  • Improve job search and professionalism skills including writing resumes & cover letters, handling job interviews, interacting with co-workers and employers and more….

Application Process

What are we looking for?

  • Academic achievement and completed prerequisites, as outlined in the undergraduate calendar
  • Completion of Science 2C00
  • Career motivation
  • Previous work and/or volunteer experience
  • Communication skills such as good writing techniques and interpersonal personal skills
  • Understanding of the demands and commitment of being in a co-op program

How and when to apply?

You are invited to apply to your co-op program(s) of choice on OSCARplus  between December 1 to February 28. Please search in the Job Posting module, use the key word ' admission' and look for the appropriate program title.

*Note: You will only be able to see programs that you are eligible to apply for based on your major and student level.

  • Biochemistry Co-op Program – Biotechnology Specialization
  • Biochemistry Co-op Program – Biomedical Sciences Specialization
  • Biology & Pharmacology Co-op Program
  • Chemical Biology Co-op Program
  • Chemistry Co-op Program
  • Mathematics & Statistics Co-op Program – Mathematics Specialization
  • Mathematics & Statistics Co-op Program – Statistics Specialization
  • Mathematics & Statistics Co-op Program – Core 
  • Medical Physics Co-op Program
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op Program
  • Biophysics Co-op Program - new for Sept 2012 
  • Physics Co-op Program

Please ensure you submit all documents via OSCARplus including a cover letter, resume, unofficial MUGSI grade report (upload as Transcript on OSCARplus), and supplemental document (upload as Other on OSCARplus). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications are due by midnight on February 28. Students chosen for an interview are notified by email to their McMaster account. Interviews normally occur in mid March to mid April. Final decisions are communicated to applicants by mid June.

Need to know more?

Senior co-op students will share with you their personal co-op experiences. Check calendar for details about upcoming information sessions where you can learn:

  • Why you should apply for co-op for level 3
  • Who is eligible
  • What you can gain from co-op
  • How to apply
 

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