Combine work experience with academics
Co-operative Education combines real-world work experience with academic studies and has garnered international recognition as the preferred way to complete a degree. The program works to create a partnership between students, the university, and the employer, to offer students an extended learning environment, and the ability to network with employers.
As a student at the University of Lethbridge, you have an extraordinary opportunity to create an academic experience that fits you like a tailored suit. Combined with a foundation in liberal education and armed with hands-on work experience through co-op, you will graduate with a head start on the path to your future.
Benefits of Co-operative Education
- Discover your career options to make realistic and informed career choices
- Gain practical experience in a real-world setting while making valuable contacts
- Explore a variety of employment sectors to try out your major
- Develop valuable research skills for future work experience or graduate school
- Receive specialized support developing your resume, cover letter, and interview skills
- Gain valuable job and life skills to assist in the transition from university to your career
- Maintain full-time student status while you work full-time
- Reduce the cost of your education by earning competitive wages (between $2,500 - $5,400/month)
- Increase your marketability after graduation
- Obtain a Co-operative Education designation on your degree and transcript
Co-op is available to all majors in the Faculties of Arts & Science, Fine Arts & Health Sciences and the Dhillon School of Business. Expand the lists below to view all majors:
- Agricultural Biotechnology*
- Agricultural Studies*
- Anthropology*
- Applied Statistics
- Archaeology and Geography*
- Biochemistry*
- Biological Sciences*
- Canadian Studies*
- Chemistry*
- Computer Science*
- Computer Science/GIS*
- Economics*
- English*
- Environmental Science*
- French*
- Fench/Spanish*
- General Major: Humanities
- General Major: Science
- General Major: Social Science
- Geography*
- GIS
- History*
- Japanese
- Kinesiology* & Physical Education
- Linguistics
- Mathematics*
- Indigenous Studies*
- Neuroscience*
- Philosophy*
- Physics*
- Political Science*
- Psychology*
- Religious Studies*
- Remote Sensing
- Sociology*
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Urban & Regional Studies*
- Women & Gender Studies*
Note: Some of these programs are accredited through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL)
- Accounting
- Agricultural Enterprise Management
- Economics
- Finance
- General Management
- Human Resource Management and Labour Relations
- Indigenous Governance and Business Management
- Information Systems
- International Management
- Marketing
- Political Science
- Social Responsibility
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Art*
- Dramatic Arts*
- Music*
- New Media
- Aboriginal Health
- Addictions Counselling
- Public Health
- Therapeutic Recreation
Examples of Employers who have hired co-op students
University of Lethbridge, Department of Psychology: Research Assistant
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: Agricultural Specialist
Department of Indian Affairs, Ottawa: Senior Researcher
Southern Alberta Historic Sites: Lethbridge Economic Researcher
Town of Taber: Urban & Municipal Planner
Writing on Stone Provincial Park, Milk River: Park Naturalist/Interpreter
Global Affairs Canada: Trade Commissioner Assistant, Policy Analyst
Teck: Operational Excellence Co-op Student
Imperial: Human Resources Analyst Student
Pepsi: Operations Management Co-op Student
KPMG: Tax Student
1st Choice Savings and Credit Union: Financial Analyst
Economic Development Lethbridge: Business Development Student
Coulee Brew Co.: Marketing Analyst and Business Development Student
Parks Canada: Assistant Marketing Coordinator
Global Affairs Canada:Trade Commissioner Assistant
A & B Environmental: Taber Herbicide Applicator
ADRI, Health Canada: Lethbridge Virology Research Technician
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada: Lethbridge Research Assistant
Canadian Hunter Exploration Ltd.: Network Assistant
Cyanamid: Lethbridge & Calgary Field Research Assistant
Syncrude Canada: Ft. McMurray LAN Administrator
University of Lethbridge, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry: Chemical Lab Researcher
Research in Motion-Blackberry: (IT) Application Developer
Electronic Arts: Gaming
Sunnybrook Medical Research: Medical research
Job Board
Learn about our private online job board used to apply for co-op positions
How Co-op Works
Discover the different types of co-op, and how they fit into your program
How to Apply
Apply for co-op based on the requirements for your program, including graduate studies
Co-op FAQs
Commonly-asked questions about co-op and the application process