Careers and Co-op
TMU is one of the few universities with optional co-op streams in each of its science programs which embeds real-world, paid work placements right into a degree. Co-op adds an extra year to your academic program, but you'll finish with many competitive advantages – all before you graduate. All the Faculty of Science co-op programs are accredited by CEWIL (external link, opens in new window) (Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning, Canada).
Why Co-op?
Fill your resume
Gain real-world work experience in your field
Build your network
Meet industry professionals and gather references
Earn a salary
Co-op students can earn over $7,000 per term
“Co-op has been, by far, the most valuable piece of my [TMU] experience. Through work terms in data science at TD Bank, I’ve expanded my career skills, boosted my confidence in the workplace, and applied course material that I never thought I’d need!” – Ben Cornish, Financial Mathematics co-op student
Program Highlights
The optional co-op stream is available in each one of our Faculty of Science programs. Check out more details within the range of science co-op programs, including some of the roles and employers our co-op students have worked in.
- Program Length: Five years, full time
- Work Terms: 3-5 work terms, each 16 weeks long, at 35-40 hrs/wk
- Experience Gained: Total of 12-20 months full-time experience
- Co-op Fees: Extra fees are paid in installments over the entire program.
- Wages: Students can potentially earn over $7000 per work term. Science co-op students earn, on average, the highest hourly wages compared to other co-op programs.
Find out more about how co-op works.
Where Could You Land?
Students often say that co-op helped them decide on a specific career path. By working in different roles at various organizations, you’ll try out firsthand what interests you most and where you might prefer to work after graduating. Our co-op students have gained exposure to top organizations including:
Royal Bank Canada (RBC)
Google
Sick Kids Hospital
Apotex Canada
Ministry of Agriculture
Statistics Canada & more...
“Our company has employed co-op students for years. When it’s a good fit, we’ve even hired them outright after graduation. We love the fresh thinking and enthusiasm [TMU] students bring. They get to build their professional network and apply what they’ve learned in class to the real world — and our company gets access to a diverse set of talented, hardworking individuals.” – Jason Silva, Managing Director, ServiceEcho
Application Process and Requirements
Students who have completed the first semester of the regular program must apply through the department for admission to the Co-operative program before the end of the first year. Enrolment in the Co-op program is limited. Admission will be based on a portfolio which includes the student's grade point average, a resume and a statement of intent. Screening interviews may also be required. The Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre does not guarantee placements but provides resources to help students find placements.
Students must successfully complete a minimum of four work terms in order to graduate from the Co-op program. Once the requirements are satisfied, the possibility of doing another work term is at the discretion of the Career & Co-op Centre, in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.
Job Search Support
The Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre can help you find suitable positions and provide career counselling. Guides, resources and advice are available:
- Personal branding, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios
- Job search toolkit, resumes, cover letters
- Interviewing, salary negotiations
- Job boards and on-campus opportunities
- Workshops on workplace skills, such as emotional intelligence and teamwork
- Science-focused advising from the Faculty of Science’s own Career Education Specialist
Career Fairs, Networking & Events
Check out prospective employers. Connect with hiring recruiters. Chat with recent graduates. Explore different career options. The Toronto Met Career & Co-op Centre organizes career fairs and networking events — including the annual STEM Career Fair.
Alumni Career Services
Even after you finish your degree, you can still come back for career help. Alumni can access career & co-op services for up to five years after graduating.
Work Term Schedule Examples
- Science Schedule* – *Applies to Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Financial Math, Mathematics and its Applications and Medical Physics
- Schedule 1 & 2* – Applies to Computer Science and Cyber Science Co-op programs.
- Some co-op programs allow students to change their work term sequence with the permission of their Co-op Faculty Advisor. Depending on the students’ schedule and preference, their work term may be extended to 8, 12 or 16 months of continual employment.
- Science Schedule* – *Applies to Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Financial Math, Mathematics and its Applications and Medical Physics
- Schedule 1 & 2* – Applies to Computer Science Co-op program.
- Some co-op programs allow students to change their work term sequence with the permission of their Co-op Faculty Advisor. Depending on the students’ schedule and preference, their work term may be extended to 8, 12 or 16 months of continual employment.
- Science Schedule* – *Applies to Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Financial Math, Mathematics and its Applications and Medical Physics
- Schedule 1 & 2* – Applies to Computer Science Co-op program.
- Some co-op programs allow students to change their work term sequence with the permission of their Co-op Faculty Advisor. Depending on the students’ schedule and preference, their work term may be extended to 8, 12 or 16 months of continual employment.
“Everyone should visit the Career Centre and attend their workshops. I'm also grateful for the work experience I gained on campus. These all built my confidence and helped me decide on a career path after graduation.”
