Co-op program for undergraduate students

The Sociology and Anthropology Co‑operative Education (Co‑op) program offers a select group undergraduate full‑time students the opportunity to alternate between academic study and paid, full-time professional work. During your work terms, you'll apply sociological and anthropological perspectives to real challenges in actual organizations. By the time you graduate, you'll have the equivalent of real workplace experience, and a much clearer, broader sense of where your degree and interests can take you.

What the Co‑op experience is like

Students work in a wide range of organizational settings, often stepping into environments that are entirely new to the; Co-op opportunities extend beyond sociology and anthropology fields. The experience encourages you to adapt quickly, work under short timelines and contribute meaningfully in professional contexts outside the classroom.

Placements frequently encourage students to move beyond their comfort zones — an experience that can be challenging but ultimately rewarding and transformative.

Work terms are paid and typically last 12-16 weeks.

Where our students work

Sociology and Anthropology co‑op students have worked in a variety of sectors, including:

• Non‑profit and community organizations (e.g., The Terry Fox Foundation, Women and Gender Equality Canada, The Shield of Athena Family Services)
• Public sector organizations (e.g., Parks Canada, Health Canada, Stats Canada)
• Research and policy environments (e.g., Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Human Rights Commission, Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
• Private companies (e.g., BRP, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Sun Life Financial, Airbus Canada, SSENSE)

Students can pursue work opportunities in Montreal, across Canada, as well as internationally. Students who are not proficient in French must be willing to do their internship outside of Quebec.

The standard study-work sequence in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows the structure below. Students typically complete three work terms total, in a staggered sequence.

Eligibility and admission

The Co-op option is available to full-time Sociology and Anthropology students.

Applying to Concordia for the first time? Select the Co‑op option alongside your Sociology and/or Anthropology program when you apply.

Already a Concordia student? You may apply if you meet GPA and credit requirements. Because the Co-op program follows a structured sequence of study and work terms, it is strongly recommended that you apply as early as possible in your program (ideally in your first semester).

We encourage you to contact the program director to discuss your eligibility and timing before applying. The process may also include an interview or a short application with a résumé and a statement including the reasons behind your interest.