Computer Science & Software Engineering Co-op Student Information
About The Program
The Bachelor of Computing Degree, with majors in Computer Science and Software Engineering, teaches software development, data structures, algorithms, teamwork, and professional standards. The Computer Science major has a greater emphasis on algorithm design & analysis, theory of computation, and math. The Software Engineering major focuses more on design methodologies, team development, and project management. Both majors take courses in system analysis & design and software engineering, along with electives in testing, networking, HCI, computational intelligence, graphics, game programming, security, and parallel programming. At Guelph, computing students have the unique opportunity to study an “area of application”. These elective courses, drawn from another academic discipline, allow for both specialization and diversity. As such, a student can combine their degree with a variety of disciplines (music, psychology, business, math, etc.)
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided throughout the co-op experience. Students will complete a comprehensive course preparing them for the co-op employment process, and will receive guidance from a knowledgeable team of staff dedicated to their development and success.
Course Sequencing
There are two approved co-op sequences for Bachelor of Computing students, based on their academic calendar year. Please follow the correct sequence according to your Undergraduate Calendar. If you have any questions about which sequence applies to you, please email coopadmin@uoguelph.ca or contact your Academic Advisor.
Course sequence for students who started their degree in Fall 2024 or earlier (following the 2024/25 undergraduate calendar or earlier calendar).
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Course sequence for students who started their degree in Fall 2025 or later (or those who have switched to the 2025/26 undergraduate calendar).
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Work | Academic |
| THREE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Student Strengths
Collaboration
We teach collaborative, team-based design coursework (agile methodology), and our students integrate easily in software design teams.
Knowledge
Students will complete ten core computing courses, including intermediate programming, objectoriented programming, and operating systems before their first work term.
Application
Students possess strong technical knowledge researching data structures, algorithm design and analysis, software engineering, and database management. C, Java, Python and SQL are the primary languages used in our curriculum.
Understanding
Students master core topics including computer organization, operating systems, Linux, and OSX.
Sample Jobs
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Software Developer
- IT Support / Helpdesk
- Software Engineer
- Quality Assurance
- Network Tester
- Product Support Analyst
- Database Analyst
- Mobile Developer
- Web Developer/Editor
- Technology Risk Consultant
Sample Employers*
- D2L
- Camis
- Magnet Forensics
- SunLife Financial
- TD Lab
- Amazon
- Wave
- Sonova
- Interac
Game Programmer
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
