Co-operative Education Program

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Through my Co-op experience, I have genuinely learned so much about myself and built confidence, skills, and relationships that will last a lifetime."

– Mikayla Haynes, BBA Graduate 2021

The Co-operative education (Co-op) program allows you to alternate study semesters with paid work terms to apply what you learn in classes to real work environments.

Each Co-op work term is a minimum of 420 hours of paid work, either full-time over a four-month work term or part-time over an eight-month work term. Co-op students registered into a full-time Co-op course are considered full-time students.

How Co-op Works

If you think you'd like to take part in co-op but you're not sure how it works, review the steps below to learn more. 

  1. Enrol in EXPE pre-requisite course.

    The first step is to take the pre-requisite course EXPE 2300*. The course will provide you with knowledge of what it takes to get a job in today's constantly changing job market. You will learn about resumes, interviews, and more. This course is offered every semester either in-person or online.

    *Post Degree Diploma in Accounting students will take EXPE 4800: See pre-requisite course details.

    Note: International students who will be issued documentation that they can use to apply for their Co-op Work Permit. Students may reach out to Langara Global for instructions on how to apply for their Co-op Work Permit.

  2. Apply for Co-op.

    Once you have taken the pre-requisite course for Co-op, you can submit an application to apply for Co-op via the C3 job board. There is a minimum 2.6 CGPA requirement for the Co-op program. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will be booked for an appointment with a Co-op instructor.  

  3. Search and apply for jobs. 

    Students in the Co-op program have special access to see Co-op jobs on the C3 job board. As a Co-op student you will actively apply and interview for jobs Co-op with support from your Co-op instructor. 

    If you find a position on your own that you would like to use for a Co-op, the position must be reviewed and approved by a Co-op instructor to qualify for a Co-op. 

  4. Get hired. 

    Once you accept a Co-op job offer you must inform your Co-op instructor, who will let you know the appropriate Co-op work term course to enrol in. Co-op students registered into a full-time Co-op course are considered full-time students. 

  5. Complete your Co-op. 

    During your Co-op, you will have assignments to complete and there will be a site visit mid-way through the work term where the Co-op instructor will visit you on-site or virtually to speak with you and your supervisor about the placement. 

  6. Return to school. 

    Students must return to at least one more academic semester after they complete their Co-op. 

  7. Repeat. 

    Students in a Diploma or Associate’s program can do a maximum of two Co-op work terms. Students in a Bachelor’s program can do a maximum of four Co-op work terms.

The following programs offer a Co-op option:

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree 

BBA students in the following concentration areas can complete a minimum of one or maximum of four Co-op terms. A student with a minimum of three Co-op terms qualifies for a Co-op designation on their degree. 

See the full list of courses for each program area below:

BBA Work Experience Requirement

All BBA students must fulfill the BBA Work Experience Requirement as a prerequisite to register into their upper level  business course (BUSM 4200). To fulfill this requirement, students can complete one Co-op work term or request an assessment of their work experience through the Co-op department. Learn more.

Pro tip: Take EXPE 2300 early in your program so that you can take Co-op as soon as you are ready.

Watch the Work Experience Options video below or attend an info session to learn more:

Business Diploma Programs 

Diploma students in the following program areas can complete one or two Co-op terms. A student who successfully completes one Co-op term qualifies for a Co-op designation on their diploma.

See the full list of courses for each program area below:

Post Degree Diploma in Accounting  

Post Degree Diploma (PDD) in Accounting students have the option to complete one Co-op work term (COOP 4800). A student who successfully completes one Co-op term qualifies for a Co-op designation.

See the full list of courses for this program area below:

Pre-requisite Course(s) for Co-op:

  • PDD in Accounting (started prior to the Fall Semester 2023 semester): For students to be eligible for Co-op, they must first successfully complete the pre-requisite courses, EXPE 4801, EXPE 4802, and EXPE 4803.
  • PDD in Accounting (starting from the Fall Semester 2023 semester onwards): For students to be eligible for Co-op, they must first successfully complete the pre-requisite course, EXPE 4800.
Computer Science and Computer Studies  

CPSC programs share a common set of core courses. Diploma students in the following program areas can complete one or two Co-op terms. A student who successfully completes one Co-op term qualifies for a Co-op designation on their diploma.

See the full list of courses for each program area below: 

Bioinformatics 

Bioinformatics programs share a common set of core courses. Students Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics have an 8-month mandatory Co-op as part of their program curriculum. Associate of Science and Diploma students have the option to complete one or two Co-op terms. A student who successfully completes one Co-op term qualifies for a Co-op designation on their Associate of Science or Diploma.

See the full list of courses for each program area below: 

Biology 

Associate of Science and Diploma students have the option to complete one or two Co-op terms. A student who successfully completes one Co-op term qualifies for a Co-op designation on their Associate of Science or Diploma.

See the full list of courses for each program area below: 

Bachelor of Recreation Management (on hold) 

The Recreation Management Program (BRM) is a degree completion program (third and fourth year of a bachelor's degree) for students who have a recreation diploma or the equivalent, BRM students can complete a minimum of one or maximum of four Co-op terms. 

See the full list of courses for the program area below: 

 Program Requirements 

Before you join the Co-op Program: 

  • Complete the prerequisite course, EXPE 2300, with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Maintain a minimum term and overall program GPA of 2.6  
  • Be enrolled full-time (nine credits) and have completed at least one full term at Langara; exceptions may be made if you have transferred from another institution or if you are currently registered with Accessibility Services.

While you’re in the Co-op Program: 

  • Complete a minimum of 420 hours during each approved four-month Co-op work term. 
    Note: there is also an option for a part-time Co-op where you can complete 420 hours over an eight month Co-op work term.
  • Complete all assignments, an employer evaluation, and a presentation for each full-time or part-time work term.
  • If you are an international student, you must enrol in one of the programs offering a Co-op designation and have a valid Co-op work permit. There is no cost for the Co-op work permit and application support is provided by the Langara Global Office.
  • Enrol in at least one full-time academic term upon completion of the final work term prior to graduation.

Pro Tip: Take EXPE 2300 early in your program so that you can take Co-op as soon as you are ready.

Co-op Information Sessions

Co-op Information Sessions for Current Students

Are you a current Langara student interested in learning more about how Co-op works in your program and wondering if Co-op is right for you? Attend a virtual information session to learn more.

  • Wednesday, Sep. 24, 12:30 pm-1:00 pm | Register
  • Monday, Oct. 6, 2:30 pm-3:00 pm | Register
  • Tuesday, Oct. 28, 12:30 pm-1:00 pm | Register
  • Thursday, Nov. 13, 10:30 am-11:00 am | Register
 
Co-op Information Sessions for Prospective Students

Are you considering applying for Langara College and interested in learning more about the Co-op Program? Attend a virtual information session to learn more.

  • Tuesday, Sep. 23, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm | Registration coming soon
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm | Registration coming soon

After you're accepted

Have you been accepted into the Co-op program? Review the Co-op Student Guide for next steps »
Review the Guide

International Students

International students may apply for Co-op. Upon acceptance, students will have to apply for a Co-op work permit.
Learn more

Work Experience for BBA students

Are you a Bachelor of Business Administration student? Learn more about the Work Experience Requirement »
Learn more

Hear what our students have to say about their work experience:

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