Interested in continuing your studies at KPU and making connections, getting paid work experience and getting a foot into the door of an organization in your industry?
Students in the Co-operative Education (Co-op) program:
- Alternate between semesters of work and semesters of academic studies
- Earn wages to help defray educational costs
- Apply their classroom learning in the field, including enforcement/administration of regulations, research skills, working with social justice issues, and more
Students eligible for the Co-op program must be registered or conditionally accepted into an approved degree program, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 prior to their first work term.
KPU Criminology students have completed Co-op placements at organizations such as:
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TIPS FOR PLANNING AND SUCCESS
- Prepare early. It takes two semesters to prepare to go out on your first work term. One semester to take COOP 1101, and one semester to apply to jobs and secure a placement.
- COOP 1101 is now open to all KPU students at any point, but if you are planning to join Co-Op, you will need to mee the entrance requirements before you can begin seeking a placement. For Criminology students, this means completing COOP1101 before reaching 90 credits, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.7, and being declare in the BA in Criminology. We recommend completing COOP 1101 in the middle of the end of your second year (around 40-60 credits) to give yourself enough time to plan your seeking term and complete all three required work terms before graduation. Speak to an academic advisor now to learn how you can incorporate Co-op and work terms into your program planning. https://www.kpu.ca/Arts/Advising
- Co-op is designed for all students at all experience levels. Employers hiring first work term students know they are investing in potential - so bring your enthusiasm, stay open to different opportunities, and put in the effort. And Remember, you're not doing it alone - your Co-op seeking instructor and the Co-op team are here to support you through your job search.
- Not sure if Co-op is right for you? Attend a Co-op info session to learn how the program works, what to expect and how to get started. Register here: kpu.ca/Co-op/Info-Sessions.
COMMITMENT
- Students are expected to complete three 4-month work terms as a part of their program requirements, so a commitment from the student is expected.
- Your last semester must be an academic term so you need to plan to complete your Co-op requirements prior to your last semester of school.
- Students register into a Co-op work term course for each 4-month term of employment.
- Students pay 4.5 credits per work term and are registered in 9 additive credits (non-academic), which do not count towards your degree requirement. This also maintains full-time student status. Students complete work term course assignments online.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
As of April 1, 2026, you no longer need a Co-op work permit to participate in mandatory placements. A valid study permit is sufficient. Tuition for Co-op work terms is charged at the 4.5 credits of the domestic rate regardless of student status. For more information visit: kpu.ca/co-op.
CONTACT THE CO-OP TEAM
Have questions about Co-op? We're here to help. Email us at co-op@kpu.ca or visit kpu.ca/co-op.
MORE INFORMATION
Information sessions about the benefits of Co-op are offered each term. To register or for more information, refer to kpu.ca/co-op.
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