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

Regulations effective September 1, 2016.

Offered by Athabasca University’s School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS), the Bachelor of Science Major in Computing and Information Systems (Post Diploma) program (BScCIS (PD)) is designed especially for students holding a computing-related diploma who wish to pursue a university degree to further their career and/or academic studies.

Graduates of the BScCIS (Post Diploma), will possess the requisite knowledge and skills in the analysis, design and implementation of computer-based information systems for various organizations. Students may be specialized in a particular area of Computing and Information Systems by taking recommended elective courses, which are listed on the SCIS homepage.

Students holding a Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) accredited applied diploma or any approved three-year applied computing diploma, will be awarded up to 60 credits towards the 120-credit Bachelor of Science Major in Computing and Information Systems (Post Diploma) degree (BSc CIS [PD]).

Holders of non-CIPS accredited two-year computing related diplomas and holders of any two- or three-year non-computing related diplomas may be admitted to the program, but will be required to complete up to an additional 30 credits in computing courses as determined by the program director.

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

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

Delivery Modes

All courses in the program are delivered through online and distance learning in an individualized study more, 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 from the BSc CIS (PD) 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.

Program Regulations for 60-Credit Admission Route

Degree Requirements
Total credits in the program	120
Approved college diploma receives	60
Maximum credits required beyond the college diploma	60
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University.	30
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered.	24
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits	30
Science credits (minimum of 36 at the senior [300 or 400] level)	39
400 level COMP credits	21
Senior (300 or 400) level credits	48

Required Core Courses (27 credits)
ADMN 233	Writing in Organizations	(3)
ENGL 255	Introductory Composition	(3)
MATH 209	Finite Mathematics* *MATH 209 may be replaced with a 200-level 3-credit course in Science upon the approval of the program director.	(3)
MATH 309	Discrete Mathematics	(3)
ORGB 364	Organizational Behaviour	(3)
PHIL 252	Critical Thinking	(3)
PHIL 333	Professional Ethics or	(3)
PHIL 371	Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment
SCIE 326	Scientific Reasoning	(3)
COMP 495	Computer and Information Systems Project	(3)

Electives (27 credits)**
Senior credits (300 or 400) level in COMP	(9)
Senior credits (400) level in COMP	(18)
** Visit the SCIS website for an updated list of elective courses at the time of study, and contact your program advisor for more information.

Options (6 credits)
Senior (300/400) level credits in any discipline	(6)

Program Regulations for 30-Credit Admission Route

Degree Requirements
Total credits in the program	120
Approved college diploma receives	30
Maximum credits required beyond the college diploma	90
Minimum credits through Athabasca University (Residency Requirement)	30
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Credits	30
Science credits (with a minimum of 57 at the senior [300/400] level)	69
400 level COMP credits	21
Senior (300/400) level credits	69

Required Core Courses (48 credits)
ADMN 233	Writing in Organizations	(3)
ENGL 255	Introductory Composition	(3)
COMP 200	Introduction to Computing and Information Systems	(3)
COMP 268	Introduction to Computer Programming (Java)	(3)
COMP 272	Data Structures and Algorithms	(3)
COMP 314	Operating Systems	(3)
COMP 347	Computer Networks	(3)
COMP 361	System Analysis and Design	(3)
COMP 378	Introduction to Database Management	(3)
COMP 495	Computer and Information Systems Project	(3)
MATH 209	Finite Mathematics (Note: MATH 209 may be replaced with a 200-level 3-credit course in Science upon the approval of the program director.)	(3)
MATH 309	Discrete Mathematics	(3)
ORGB 364	Organizational Behavior	(3)
PHIL 252	Critical Thinking	(3)
PHIL 333	Professional Ethics or	(3)
PHIL 371	Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment
SCIE 326	Scientific Reasoning	(3)

Electives (36 credits)**
Senior (300/400) level credits in COMP	(18)
Senior (400) level credits in COMP	(18)
** Visit the SCIS website for an updated list of elective courses at the time of study, and contact your program advisor for more information.

Options (6 credits)
Senior (300/400) level credits in any discipline	(6)

 

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 for 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. Students holding an approved college or technical institute computer science-related diploma that is less than five years old may be considered for admission to this degree program.
3. Students holding an approved college or technical institute computer science related diploma—that is more than five years old, may gain admission to this degree program if the student provides a current resumé and letter from their supervisor/employer providing evidence that they are current in the IT field since the diploma was awarded.
4. Preparatory (100-level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of this degree.
5. Precluded Courses: Students will not receive credit for COMP 203 or COMP 220 in this program.

 

Program Notes

1. Students from college programs with little or no Java content in their curricula are advised to take COMP 268 and COMP 272 before taking any required senior COMP courses.
2. Students from college programs with little or no programming content in their curricula are advised to take COMP 266 (in place of MATH 209), COMP 268 and COMP 272 before taking any required senior COMP courses.

 

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.