Is the MBA (with co-op) program right for me?
This program is typically geared towards two categories of people; new graduates and those looking to change their career. The program is ideal for high-calibre students that have little to no work experience (usually less than 2 years).
What are my choices of MBA (with co-op) programs in Canada?
There are very few programs that offer the MBA with co-op. In Canada, the two programs that stand out are the programs at Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON) and McMaster University (Hamilton, ON; *MBA taught in Burlington, ON). These programs offer a highly integrated experience with alternating school and work terms. The table below is a synthesis of the research I did when deciding which school to apply to.
In terms of the average GMAT score, tuition, and average starting salary after graduation, the two programs are on par with each other. However, there is a difference when it comes to the acceptance rates; 57% for McMaster versus 30% for Laurier. The acceptance rate is a very important criteria that serves as a good proxy to the quality of the program and the reputation of the program from an employer standpoint. The Laurier program appears to be highly competitive and has similar acceptance rates as McGill (30%), Schulich (27%), Rotman (44%), and UBC (40%).
Other criteria that must also be taken into consideration are the opportunity cost of attending a 28-month program versus a 20-month program and the location of the program. Laurier is located in Waterloo, the heart of Canada’s technology triangle, and this alone provides many benefits to the learning experience and work opportunities. McMaster’s main campus is located in Hamilton, although the MBA program will be located in the brand new Ron Joyce Center in Burlington. The location of the program is a key criteria since the networking opportunities provided by an MBA program is one of its most attractive features.
Both of these MBA programs are well-respected and each offers a unique MBA experience. Just to let everyone know, I decided to apply to the Laurier MBA only.
I also came across a well written article on the benefits of a co-op MBA program. To access it, click here.
It is important to note that University of Victoria also offers a co-op program, although it is not integrated into the core curriculum in the same way as the Laurier and McMaster programs. For more information, click here.
Also, in 2009, Dalhousie University launched Canada’s first Corporate Residency MBA program. For more information, click here.
Link to: Wilfrid Laurier MBA
Facebook: The Laurier MBA
Link to: McMaster MBA
Sources:
Financial Post: http://www.financialpost.com/executive/canadian-mba-programs/index.html
Macleans: http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/09/16/m-b-a-rankings/
The Blog of Saw Tun 
Thank you for this Saw Tun, the information you provided are of great help. You really are passionate about your career!
I have a question, btw, is the aprox, tuition just for a term or for the whole period?
Cheers!
Hey, thanks for the comment 🙂
I’m glad the information helped!
The approx. tuition is for the entire length of the program.
I am Isabella Piatek, Manager of the MBA Program at the DeGroote School of Business (McMaster University). Thanks for your interest in DeGroote’s MBA Program.
Unfortunately, the acceptance rate for DeGroote’s MBA was incorrectly stated in the Financial Post. The correct acceptance rate is 57%. The Financial Post has made this correction on their website.
If you have any questions about DeGroote’s MBA Program, please visit our website at http://www.degroote.mcmaster.ca/MBA or email us at mbainfo@mcmaster.ca.
Hi Isabella,
I have corrected the acceptance rate for the DeGroote’s MBA program in my post. Thanks for letting me know of the incorrectly stated acceptance rate on the Financial Post website. I think it’s a key criteria for potential MBA applicants so it’s important to have the correct figures.
Thanks,
Saw
Hi Sawtun,
I appreciate your help in correcting our acceptance rate. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Isabella
Hi Saw,
Can you provide any insight on regular MBA (not a co-op) at Wilfrid Laurier?
Thanks in advance.
Rehan
Hey Rehan,
I haven’t started my program yet so I couldn’t provide any insight from a personal perspective. However, there is a lot of valuable information provided by the Laurier MBA website:
http://lauriermba.ca/programs-and-faculty/waterloo-mba-programs/full-time-mba/
Also, you can read some student profiles to view the feedback from students in the various programs:
http://lauriermba.ca/your-roi/
Hope it helps,
Saw
At both McMaster and Laurier, all programs are mixed together. Co-ops, Full-times and part-times. Professors and course selection are most likely the same (only difference if a course is not offered a certain year/change in professors)
Full-timers are exposed to the same core curriculum and the program consists of 3 terms for a total 12 months straight.
Full-timers can also enroll in the CMA/MBA program for those who want to take the CMA exams, and if you apply to Laurier on the Toronto campus you can also apply to the CFA/MBA program for those who want to take the CFA exams.
Experience and education is the same for full-time, part-time and co-ops.
Hi Sawtun
I am interested in the Laurier MBA. I have some question. Would you help me?
1) If I submit all materials in late November, 2011, when can I know whether I am in or refused?
2) I last year GPA is 78%, how the possibility that I can enroll?
3) Does the application have interview (phone or in person)?
4) Is it first-apply-first-serve application or should wait until Feb or March 2012?
Thx a lot!
Hi William,
To answer these questions, I will direct you to Aaron Miller, the MBA Marketing Coordinator. From my experience, he proved to be very helpful and was able to answer all my questions.
His contact information is listed here: http://www.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=12528
I hope this helps,
Saw
I started in the Co-op MBA program in 2010 and to make this easier for readers
1) You should know within 2 weeks of you sending in your complete application. The process is every week the MBA board reviews your application. If it passes, it goes onto the Graduate program who reviews your application. If it gets approved by the MBA board it’ll most likely be approved by the graduate board. This was from the person who was there before Aaron Miller. I don’t think this process has changed over 1 year.
2) Last year GPA is important. If you have a strong application and strong GMAT you should be able to get in.
3) No interviews at Laurier. McMaster Co-op MBA has an interview process.
4) It’s a rolling enrollment, so yes a first-apply-first serve. You shoul be able to find out within two weeks of the program receiving your full application from Laurier.
Thanks for your words.
Actually, I and my friend have already applied. My friend submitted materials 4 weeks ago (GMAT: 690; Final year: 79%). I submitted two weeks ago (GMAT: 640; Final year: 80%).
My friend got an interview two weeks ago. I haven’t yet.
Dianne Hoston said to my friend that they cannot decide until Feb. 2012, because this is international student application deadline.
Native students may not have interviews, but international students have.
We have to wait
Good luck with the interview! Personally, I think you guys have a strong enough GMAT score and final year GPA.
Saw
Hello mr Adam, in the understanding that by this time you have completed your program at mcmaster, would you please be able to throw light on job opportunities post the coop mba?
Is it possible to get accepted into either program if your GPA is lower than the one stated but if you compensate for it with a higher GMAT score ?
Hi Ajas,
I would think that it would be possible. If your GPA is close to the cutoff, strength in other areas of your application such as your GMAT score will help.
Saw
The GPA required for the Laurier Coop program is B (77%) and the GPA required for the McMaster program is B (75%). I just graduated with a degree in Economics with a GPA of C (69%)
Thanks in advance
In my opinion, I think it will be hard to compensate for the GPA. For Laurier, I encourage you to use their Personal Pre-Assessment service:
http://lauriermba.ca/next-steps/book-a-personal-pre-assessment/
This assessment should give you a better understanding of the strength of your application.
Saw
Hey I have a question, from those who graduate from the Laurier Co-op program, what percentage actually get a job in the related field, within the first year or two?
Hey Moe. I don’t have that information. I would recommend that you get in touch with the Waterloo Program contact, Holly Patton. http://www.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=12703
thank you
There’s a stat flying around that 50% of co-ops receive an offer from their co-op employer if that helps. Personal observation seems to support this.
Hi Moe,
Holly here from the Laurier MBA office. 97% of graduates from our Full-time and Full-time with Co-op program are successful in finding employment within three months of graduation.
Any additional questions regarding the Laurier MBA program, and specifically co-op, feel free to contact me at hpatton@wlu.ca.
Since the program started for you in August I was wondering if you can give a review of the program so far. For example how are the classes, the professors and the overall experience? I am curious because I am thinking about applying next year
The program has been really great so far. There are some top notch professors teaching here and the class atmosphere and environment are really conducive for learning. Keep in mind that the work load is intense, especially the first term, and you have to work hard to keep up with all the material. The faculty and administration have also proved to be very helpful towards our MBA class. The social aspect of the MBA is great since most of the people in the program are proactive individuals. We regularly go out together and just recently, a group of us went to the football game and celebrated the Laurier Homecoming together.
I would strongly encourage you to apply. The experience has been great so far!
sawtun,
Sorry for crashing your blog but I felt I could add more to your great posts and insights.
The integrative core is a killer but it just requires time management. 6 hours of classes 4 times a week, plus homework and group project meetings.
Second and third terms get easier with only the equivalent of a 6 course load – but group work is harder to schedule as everyone has different classes.
I completely agree with sawtun as the program and culture is great, but then again it also depends on the effort you put in.
I hope you also write a short comment on the live integrated case excercise (ICE) as it’s an experience on it’s own.
Hey Adam,
No worries at all. Thanks for adding all this valuable information.
Cheers,
Saw
Regarding the course material is it mostly test/quizzes or assignments. For example in a class is the breakdown similar to this 30% Midterm 30% Assignments and 40% Final. Also I got my undergrad in business and I was wondering if you knew whether or not the majority of the student are business student or are they from a different program such as engineering. I am just wondering because I have looked at the course curriculum and I have taken all those courses before.
So regarding the course material, it varies by course. The marks consist of quizzes, midterms, finals, and participation. The weighting is different for each course.
Most of the students do not have a business background. The class has an evenly distributed number of people from different backgrounds (i.e. Engineering, Science, Business, Arts). If you’ve taken all of the business courses before, it should give you a bit of an advantage. However, there is still a lot to learn because all of the content is integrated. Fourty percent of each course has an integrated component.
Hi
I am also considering applying and have a question re: the structure of the program as I will have to balance a family also. When did you start in Aug? When do you finish in Dec? How is the week setup for hours- Mon-Fri 9-5? With regards to workload, can you estimate the number of hours a week? I am trying to figure out if I should attend full time or part time and it is a really hard decision, with multiple variables for me to consider.
Hi Rhonda,
We started on August 16th. We finished today, December 8th. For the first term, classes run from 9am-4pm, with a 1-hour lunch break from 12-1pm. It is really hard to estimate the number of hours of work a week since it depends on many variables. The workload also fluctuates throughout the term. The full-time program will demand a lot from you, however, there are people in the program who have managed to successfully balance work and life.
Hope this helps,
Saw
THANKS very much ,very helpful information , I’m willing to enter the program as soon as possible.
That’s good to hear!
Thanks for the informative post. I’m about to apply to both schools. My GPA at ryerson is 75%, which when I converted to McMaster’s came out to 73% 😦 My GMAT score was a 610. I really hope that its not too low. I do have quite a bit of extracurrciulars and approx 3 years work experience with a bank and the government combined. Any idea what my chances might be?
Hey,
So from my understanding it seems that you are on the borderline. However, I think you should definitely still apply to all the programs that interest you. It’s never easy to judge an applicant just by looking at marks and scores alone. The schools take into consideration the complete package, including how you’ll fit into the program.
As for the GMAT score, it is a bit on the lower end. If you have time to study more and rewrite it, I would recommend that you do it again. A strong GMAT score can make up for weaknesses on other parts of the application.
I hope this helped.
Saw
Hey sawtun,
Me again. I posted on April 28, 2012. Firstly, thanks for all the great information you’ve provided here. Secondly, I got good news… I recently gotten offers from both McMaster and Laurier 🙂 I didn’t rewrite the GMAT so I’m guessing my extra-curriculars and work experience really helped me out. Now I gotta figure out where I should go. I’m assuming you completed your first co-op term back in April. Can you describe your experiences applying for co-op and at the co-op placement?
Congratulations! That’s great that you got into both programs!
The co-op process is pretty well developed at Laurier. The people working there are great as well. So I actually chose to do an 8-month co-op term so I’m currently still doing my co-op placement. I work as an Associate Business Analyst at Microsoft, in the Mississauga Office. Love the job so far.
Cheers,
Saw
Hey Saw!
I applied to both Laurier and McMaster and was torn between the two. The direct comparison you provided really helped me out in making my decision. I’m super excited to start my co-op MBA at Laurier this august! From what I’ve read here, it sounds amazing 🙂
Thanks for all your help!
That’s awesome! Congratulations!
I think you made the right choice 😉 It really is a great program.
I will also start the program this august. You can contact me: weiqianzhao@gmail.com.
That sounds like a terrific job Saw. I’m really excited to get started. I completed my undergrad in finance and am interested in a financial analyst role after I graduate with the MBA and I’m open to working in different industries. Are there any particular industries that like to hire students/alumnis from Laurier’s MBA co-op program over McMaster’s MBA co-op program and vice-verca?
To be honest I can’t really say which industries prefer one program over the other. However, I do know that Laurier’s accounting program is very strong and it has strong ties with the CMA. The accounting stream in the program gives you a fast track to an MBA-CMA.
Could a coop student enrol in CMA-MBA program?
Since the Cma courses are taught in Toronto and part time base
Yes, coop students can also enroll in the MBA-CMA.
Really? It’s awosome. How should I apply? Should I take some courses in Toronto?
Hi there,
Just wanted to say you have a great blog going here, was really helpful in making the decision. Starting this August myself! 🙂
I have a few questions about the co-op options though, do you have an email I can reach you at?
Thanks!
Aleena
Hi Aleena,
Thank you! I’m glad the blog helped. You can email me at saw.t.tun@gmail.com
Saw
Hey Saw,
I’ve decided to go to Laurier. I can’t wait to get started! 🙂 I’m looking for a place now.
Hi, Saw Tun,
I want to apply for the co-op MBA program in Wilfrid Laurier University. My gmat score is 640, and GPA is 75%. Do I have a chance to be enrolled? And if i send the application in September, when can i get the response back? Is there a limit of the no. of students that to be enrolled in co-op program every year?
Thanks!
Hi Anna,
Your GMAT score is good, however, your GPA is a bit on the lower end. The admissions panel looks at the entire package so having strong extra curricular activities among other things will strengthen your application.
With regards to the limit, there is a limit on the number of people who can be enrolled in any given year. As for the co-op program, you would have to call and check. The MBA office would also have details on when applications are being accepted for the 2013 Fall Semester.
Regards,
Saw
Hi, Saw Tun,
Another question. When may I start to apply for the co-op program of both universities for 2013 Fall semester?
Thanks!
Hi, Saw Tun,
Another question. When may I start to apply for the co-op program of both universities for 2013 Fall semester?
Thanks!
In the beginning of Oct. 2012.
If you are native, you will get response in 2 or 3 weeks.
Based on your academic background, if you could get a higher GMAT or have some volunteer/internship opportunity
Hi I am planning on applying to McMaster’s MBA co-op program. My GPA for the final year was 77% and i still need to write the GMAT. The dilemma i am facing is that i failed a class during my third year and had to retake it. Does this potentially jeopardize my chance of being accepted?
I would definitely encourage you to apply regardless. Try to make up for it with a high GMAT score as well as a strong overall application, including good recommendation letters. The admissions panels don’t just look at marks, they look at your entire application. Show why you think it’s a great program for you and also how you can provide value to your future classmates and to the program.
thanks for the encouraging words i will definitely apply.
Hello Saw Tun,
I am from bangladesh. I have gotten my B.Sc in april. I have been attending my family business since january 2011. I am thinking about doing Co-op MBA in canda next year. I have 2.65 in undergrad, which falls between 70~73 percvent. Is there any chance I might get admission? The fee you mentioned, is it for domestic students or international students?
Hi Riffat,
Those fees are for domestic students. For more information on it you should get in touch with the contacts on this page (http://lauriermba.ca/apply-now/) since they would know the current fees.
To be honest, those marks are a bit on the low end but I would still apply. You may be able to make up for it if you have a very strong overall application package.
Cheers,
Saw
Thanks for the reply. You are studying in Laurier right? I have been lurking around the web. I found that co-op programs pay back an amount of money as salary during co-op. the figure is around $500 per week in average. is that figure correct?
Also can GMAT make my application stonger consider my low end CGPA? I head that co-op term start around september. if thats true then by the time i apply there i will have 1 years working experience. does this increase my chance a bit?
Yes, I am currently in the Laurier MBA (with coop) program. Coops do get paid during their work terms and the amounts vary from job to job. A great GMAT score absolutely makes your application stronger. School usually starts mid-August. As I said, I would contact these folks for more information: http://lauriermba.ca/apply-now/
Hi Sawtun,
This is indeed a nice initiative and I would like to congratulate for this. I am also interested in doing an MBA. I have 6+ years of work experience as a Technology Consultant in India. I have stayed for close to 1 year in Canada and I loved it. Do you think this co-op program is suitable for a experienced professional like me?
Also, I gave GRE exam last year and scored 300/340 (new revised format) and completed my Bachelors in First class.
Awaiting your reply.
Best Regards,
GD
Hi GD,
So the Laurier MBA coop program is for candidates who have less than 2 years of experience. Since you have 6 years of experience, you will not be eligible for the coop option. However, I encourage you to apply to the full-time MBA program. As for the GRE score, I am not too familiar with it so I can’t comment on it.
Hope this helps,
Saw
Hi Sawtun,
My name is Nick and I am an aspiring co-op MBA student. First of all, I would like to thank you for your blog entries because they give me a unique insight into the process. Without reading your entries, I would be lost! I am currenlty in my second year at York University studying history. I was just wondering if you had any advice for me with regards to both the Laurier and McMaster Co-op programs?
Thank you so much for everything and sorry to bother you!
Nick
Hi Nick, sorry for the extremely late response. This comment must have slipped right past me!
That’s great that you’re looking into MBA programs so early on in your career. One suggestion I would make is to take a few courses that are math based. It could be accounting, finance, or even calculus :p. It will definitely help you develop an analytical mind and also help you in the future with the GMAT. You should also get involved in school activities and student councils early on. Develop your brand name!
Both the Laurier and McMaster Co-op programs are great and I would definitely encourage you to apply to both when the time comes.
Ahaha no worries Sawtun! I know you are super busy with Laurier Co-op, hope you are loving it! And exaclty, that was my plan of attack as well! Would you recommend studying for the GMAT through power source, or the Princeton Review or just by yourself?
Thanks for all your help Sawtun! If I never read this blog I would have been lost on how to approach applying to a MBA!
For the GMAT, I would first study by myself, get a grasp of the concepts and types of questions. From there you can make an assessment of whether to sign up for a prep course or not. There are a lot of great ones out there but I can’t provide much insight since I studied for the GMAT on my own.
What may interest you is my other blog post about my GMAT experience:
Alright Perfect! Thank you for everything Saw Tun! You are the Best!
Hey Guys,
Helpful blog !! Great job !! My GMAT score is 620 , I have 3 and a half years of work experience . My GPA in the final two years is 6.6/10 . I am not sure what is the Canadian equivalent percentage. Any ideas what B schools i could apply to ? Also, am i eligible for the Co-op Programs ??
Great blog ,
i would like to ask you what is the average age of students taking this program ? did you find students in their 30s ?
thank you in advance
Thank you. I’m not sure what the official average age is but there are definitely many students who are 30+ and have many years of work experience.
Hi, I have been accepted into both programs but I am unable to decide where to go. The biggest factor for me is how accessible were the coop placements? I’ve heard that some students from McMaster have a difficult time landing a coop spot, is it similar for Laurier? My main reasons for doing either one of these programs is to learn business and get work experience, if I am unable to obtain a coop spot, I don’t think my degree will be of much value. Does Laurier ensure you eventually do get a coop placement? If I am unable to get a coop placement, what will happen then?
Also, I was worried about the integrated core. I have never taken any business classes and I am worried I might do poorly on them. I am interested in either specializing in accounting or supply chains operations (if this is valuable info).
Lastly, I was wondering how your postgraduate experience has been after obtaining this degree.
Thank you for all of your help.
Hi Jaimie,
Congratulations on being accepted into both programs!
The Laurier MBA has a great coop program and a lot of the coop placements during my year were at very good companies (PepsiCo, AIG, P&G, etc.). I did my coop placement at Microsoft. Being located in Waterloo, I think employers are attracted to the city because of the great coop programs at both Laurier and University of Waterloo (largest in the world). I’m not sure what happens if someone doesn’t get a coop placement, but I can tell you that you won’t get kicked out of the program. I know one student who took a coop placement with Laurier within the MBA program.
The Integrated Core is definitely the most intense part of the program. It’s challenging and stressful, but in the end very rewarding. Many students come into the program with no business experience and are able to cope with it when faced with the challenge. There is a great culture at Laurier and a great support network including your team, peers, and faculty. During the Integrated Core (1st term), you’ll have a team of 4-6 students and you’ll be working very closely together.
My postgraduate experience has been great so far. I secured a job with Diageo as a Sales Analyst a few months prior to graduation. It’s the top spirits company in the world with an impressive range of brands (Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Guinness, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, etc.). In just over 2 years, I’ve moved up to a Manager role within the company. My peers from my year and the following year are also doing very well following graduation.
Good luck with deciding on the right program!
Cheers,
Saw
Hi Jaimie,
Congratulations on being accepted into both programs!
The Laurier MBA has a great coop program and a lot of the coop placements during my year were at very good companies (PepsiCo, AIG, P&G, etc.). I did my coop placement at Microsoft. Being located in Waterloo, I think employers are attracted to the city because of the great coop programs at both Laurier and University of Waterloo (largest in the world). I’m not sure what happens if someone doesn’t get a coop placement, but I can tell you that you won’t get kicked out of the program. I know one student who took a coop placement with Laurier within the MBA program.
The Integrated Core is definitely the most intense part of the program. It’s challenging and stressful, but in the end very rewarding. Many students come into the program with no business experience and are able to cope with it when faced with the challenge. There is a great culture at Laurier and a great support network including your team, peers, and faculty. During the Integrated Core (1st term), you’ll have a team of 4-6 students and you’ll be working very closely together.
My postgraduate experience has been great so far. I secured a job with Diageo as a Sales Analyst a few months prior to graduation. It’s the top spirits company in the world with an impressive range of brands (Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Guinness, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, etc.). In just over 2 years, I’ve moved up to a Manager role within the company. My peers from my year and the following year are also doing very well following graduation.
Good luck with deciding on the right program!
Cheers,
Saw
Hi! I got into Laurier and McMaster’s Coop MBA programs. I am having a difficult time deciding where to go. I had a few questions regarding Laurier’s program. First, what happens to the student if they are unable to secure a coop placement? Do they get kicked out of the program or are they still allowed to finish their degree? Second, how has your postgraduate experience been? Lastly, I want to know how strong the accounting and supply chain and operations specializations are.
Thank you!
Hi Saw Tun,
I trust you are doing great at your new role in Diageo.
I’d like to say a BIG THANK YOU to you for your immense assistance and contributions in this blog. You have been instrumental in shaping people’s decisions. Thanks once again.
I am from Nigeria, I am getting ready to write the GMAT and i have a strong faith that I’d get a great score. I also got an 84% score in my finals.
I am highly interested in both programs, but I am worried about the following issues:
1. I actually graduated with BSc in Chemistry in 2008. Would the age of my certificate limit my chances of getting admission?
2. Based on experience with the applications of other Nigerians, I have realised that the Nigerian degree often cannot be compared with the Canadian standard. As such, when I apply for the Co-op program, would i be required to undergo a 6-month study or diploma course, or something of that nature?
3. I have 4 years work experience working as a Project Finance Analyst with a Nigerian commercial bank, and I am seriously looking to further my career with an international degree. I understand the Laurier program requires not more than 2 years experience. Presently, would you say they are still strict about the 2-year experience criteria?
4. Furthermore, I apologise, but considering my nationality, funding my MBA program remains a challenge, hence my decision to get into a co-op program. Please in your experience, do you think the income gotten from work placements would be sufficient to meet my academic/tuition obligations?
5. If No, kindly suggest any other option i may consider. I am highly passionate about these programs, and obtaining them would sky-rocket my career when i return to my home country.
I know you’re quite a busy man, and the answers i seek may be time consuming. I sincerely apologise in advance.
Thanks a lot for your time and assistance. I wish you all the best in your endeavours.
BTW . . . were you an international student?
Hello Saw Tun,
I understand you’re such so busy.
Sincere apologies once again.
I look forward to a kind response from your good self.
Thanks a lot.
Hello..I would like to get into Investment banking.
Which is a better Coop MBA program-McMaster or Laurier??