Bachelor of Science Major in Computing and Information Systems
(4 years—120 credits)

Offered by Athabasca University’s School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS), the Bachelor of Science Major in Computing and Information Systems program (BScCIS) is designed for students who wish to be competent in developing and utilizing computer-based systems in business, education, and other fields requiring the processing, utilization, and management of information.

Graduates of the BScCIS program will possess the requisite knowledge and skills in the analysis, design and implementation of computer-based information systems for various organizations. Students may specialize in a particular area of Computing and Information Systems by taking recommended elective courses, which can be found at the SCIS homepage. Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduation.

The core introductory courses for new students to the program are COMP 268 and COMP 272, which are both taught in Java. However, those students who come to the program with demonstrable knowledge and skills in other programming languages may be allowed to graduate with other combinations of courses offered by the School of Computing and Information Systems. If you have not yet completed an acceptable combination, you should consult with the Program Director to determine which course(s) to take to satisfy the requirements.

Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 and ADMN 233 early in their program. For further information, refer to English Writing Skills Requirement.

Second Undergraduate Degree

Students who hold a recognized first degree and who wish to obtain an AU undergraduate degree in Computing and Information Systems must apply under the second undergraduate degree regulations. These students may transfer up to 50 per cent (60 credits) into the four-year degree program, based on applicable course work from the first degree.

Students are not permitted to obtain a second undergraduate degree in the same field or related field as their first undergraduate degree. Those students who hold an international undergraduate degree who wish to obtain a Canadian credential, or those students who wish to obtain another Bachelor’s degree in a major different than their first, will be permitted (in consultation with the Program Director and reviewed by the Office of the Registrar).

Delivery Modes

All courses in the program are delivered through online and distance learning in an individualized study mode, in order for students to be able to complete the courses and degree while employed full time. However, you may still have the option to take courses for BScCIS in a classroom setting at an institution near you. Please contact the School of Computing and Information Systems for availability.

Program Plans

Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, "Mapping Your Future: Your Career and Athabasca University." Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Specific Regulations

1. Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual computer science courses that were completed more than five years ago if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment. The letter(s) of employment need to show evidence of activity in this field over the five-year period prior to the request of the transfer credit. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Science courses that are over 10 years old will be accepted for transfer credit if evidence of employment in a Science or Engineering field is supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services website for more information regarding transfer credit time limits in relation to SCIS programs.
2. Preparatory (100-level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of this degree.
3. Precluded Courses: Students cannot receive credit for COMP 203 or COMP 220 in this program.

English Writing Skills Requirement

Students will be exempted* from the English Writing Skills Requirement (ENGL 255) if they have met one of the following criteria:

• have a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level, or
• receive transfer credit for an English course in which a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better was achieved.

* Note: The exemption must be replaced with a 3-credit course in any discipline at the junior/senior (200 to 400) level.