Faculty of Arts & Science
Co-operative Education & Internships

The Co-operative Education/Internship Option is available to students for the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) programs. Co-operative education is an educational model that formally integrates academic study at the master’s level with relevant, paid work experience in appropriate employment fields such as government, institutions, and industry. The University, the employer, and the student are in partnership to ensure an enriching experience toward the student's professional development.

a. Admission
Students may be accepted into the Co-op Option in the first semester of their graduate program. Students are therefore encouraged to contact the Faculty of Arts and Science Co-operative Education Office as soon as possible upon admission to their graduate program.

The criteria for admission include:
1. Admission to a Master of Arts or Master of Science program
2. Grade point average and academic standing
3. A resumé and application form
4. A personal interview
5. Approval of the student’s supervisor, in consultation with the School of Graduate Studies and the Arts and Science Co-operative Education Office

Other factors such as labour market conditions, work experience, volunteer experience and extracurricular activities are also considered when selecting participants for the program.

b. Requirements
Normally, students are required to complete successfully two work terms of four months each (or one of eight months) to earn the Co-op designation for the M.A. or M.Sc. degree.

To receive the Co-op designation for the degree, students must complete successfully in addition to the course, major, and degree requirements, two work terms:
Arts and Science 5011 - Co-op Work Experience I
Arts and Science 5012 - Co-op Work Experience II

Students may also opt for an additional work term:
Arts and Science 5013 - Co-op Work Experience III

Students must be registered for the entire duration of the work term(s) applied for through the Co-op program, including extensions, and, once registered, are not permitted to withdraw from the work placement without penalty of failure. A grade of ‘F’-Fail-will be entered on the transcript for the whole term(s) unless extenuating circumstances warrant granting of a Withdrawal with Cause (‘WC’), in accordance with University of Lethbridge policy (see Part 4, Section 3, p. 155).

Where approval is granted by the Coordinator of Co-operative Education and the Dean of Graduate Studies, a ‘WC’ will be entered on the transcript. Tuition fees will be assessed as per the University’s Withdrawal with Cause policy. Students may consult the Co-op student handbook for further information/regulations and should contact the Coordinator of Co-operative Education for assistance with the procedure.

c. Continuation in the Programs
Students must acknowledge, accept, and abide by the requirements and regulations as outlined in the Calendar and the Co-op student handbook.

d. Transfer of Co-op Terms
Students enrolled in a Master of Arts or Master of Science program may not transfer Co-op terms from other institutions.