Program Overview

Communication Arts and Design Practice Co-op

The Communication Arts and Design Practice (CADP) co-op program at Waterloo offers students the opportunity to alternate study terms with co-op work terms, graduating with relevant, paid work experience. This program is available through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Co-op Eligibility

Co-op is only available to students in Honours academic plans. The eligibility criteria for CADP students include:

• A minimum of 70% major average for Honours CADP students
• A minimum 70% major average and a minimum 70% average in Honours Arts and Business courses for Honours Arts and Business, Honours CADP students

Students are typically assessed for co-op eligibility when they declare their major. If eligible, they are admitted to co-op prior to starting their second year Fall term (academic level 2A).

Co-op Sequences

CADP students have five work term opportunities in their sequence and must complete a minimum of four work terms. The sequence followed is determined by when the student starts their studies and their academic plan(s). For example, students in Honours Arts and Business follow a different sequence than those in Honours Arts.

Co-op Fees

The co-op program at Waterloo is predominantly funded by a student-paid co-op fee, similar to tuition. This fee is associated with being enrolled in a co-op program and is paid in instalments throughout the student's time at Waterloo.

Professional Development (PD) Courses

Co-op students in Arts must successfully complete four Professional Development (PD) courses, including PD1 and PD 12. These courses help increase employability and assist students in seeing connections between workplace experience and classroom learning.

Co-op Supports

As a co-op student, there is a team of support available. All students, including those in the regular stream, have access to Centre for Career Development resources and supports at any point during their time at Waterloo.