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Social Sciences Co-op

Co-op gives you the chance to test out career paths, build confidence, and see what your future could look like – all while earning paid experience.

It’s your opportunity to apply what you’re learning in Social Sciences to real roles across the GTHA, discover what excites you, and take meaningful steps toward the kind of future you want to create. You don’t have to have everything figured out yet – co-op helps you explore, try things out, and grow along the way.

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Why Co-op? Learn More About Co-op

  • Learn by doing. Turn class ideas into real projects and see your impact.
  • Try paths on for size. Explore roles in government, NGOs, community organizations, research, business, communications, and more.
  • Build confidence and clarity. Each work term helps you figure out what feels right for you.
  • Earn paid experience. Build a resume that opens doors – before you graduate.
  • Stay connected to the GTHA. Work with local employers and community partners in Hamilton, Toronto, and beyond.

How Co-op Works (Simple Overview) Explore How Co-op Works

  • Degree + work terms. You’ll alternate academic study with paid full-time work terms (typically three), so your degree usually takes five years.
  • Real roles, real support. You’ll get guidance on resumes, interviews, and job search from staff who know Social Sciences and the GTHA employer network.
  • You apply in Level I. The supplementary application runs Feb 15 – March 9: don’t wait until April.
  • It’s on your record. Co-op is a structured, transcript-recognized pathway that connects your studies to meaningful work.

If you’re unsure whether co-op fits your plan, talk to an academic advisor – we’ll help you sort it out.

You’ll Be Supported The Whole Way

From choosing courses in first year to preparing for interviews, you won’t be doing this alone. Our team know what employers in the Hamilton-Toronto region are looking for, and we’ll stand with you at each step – so you can focus on growing skills, testing what you enjoy, and building a future that feels like you.

Co-op Options By Program

Anthropology (Honours BA)

Use a people-centred lens to support research, culture, health, non-profit, and community projects.

Economics (Honours BA)

Apply economic thinking to real problems in policy, markets, finance, and data-driven roles across the GTHA.

Environment & Society (Honours BA)

Explore sustainability, policy, urban planning, and community initiatives at the intersection of people and place.

Health & Society (Honours BA)

Connect the social determinants of health with roles in public health, community organizations, and health-adjacent sectors.

Political Science (Honours BA)

Explore public service, policy analysis, advocacy, research, and community-focused roles that shape how decisions get made.

Social Gerontology (Honours BA)

Focus on aging, community supports, policy, and services – roles with real social impact.

Sociology (Honours BA)

Work with organizations tackling social change, community engagement, research, and program evaluation.

Work & Labour Studies (Honours BA)

Step into HR, labour relations, workforce development, and organizational roles that support people at work.