Athabasca University

What you'll study

The program requires 120 total credits. Students presenting an approved diploma receive a minimum 30-credit block; up to 30 additional credits may be awarded after individual evaluation (maximum 60 transfer credits). At least 30 credits must be taken through Athabasca University to meet residency rules; a minimum of 45 senior (300/400-level) credits is required, including 36 senior science credits and at least 12 senior science credits at the 400 level. The CIS major comprises 45 credits in the major, with at least 15 of those taken through Athabasca University.

• Core BSc requirements: MATH 215 or MATH 216, MATH 265 (or MATH 270 when selecting CIS or computing-related minor), COMP 200 or COMP 210 (COMP 200 required for CIS or computing minors), SCIE 326, SCIE 480 or COMP 494 (COMP 494 is required for CIS majors), PHIL 333 or PHIL 371, ENGL 255 (or exempted and replaced by a 3-credit JUNIOR/SENIOR course if exemption applies).
• CIS major core (24 credits): COMP 268 or COMP 206 or COMP 218; COMP 272; COMP 314; COMP 347; COMP 361; COMP 378; COMP 482; COMP 495 (COMP 495 must be taken through Athabasca University, cannot be transferred, and should be taken as the final project course).
• CIS electives (21 credits): A minimum of 21 senior-level credits selected from COMP or DATA courses; up to three AU graduate-level computing courses may be used to satisfy senior COMP electives (subject to restrictions and fees), but certain graduate courses are excluded.

Additional rules include maximums on preparatory-level credits (0), maximum of 75 credits in any one science discipline, up to 12 credits for senior project courses (495/496), and up to 30 PLAR credits. AU may grant transfer credit for individual CS courses older than five years if proof of currency (current résumé and employer letter on company letterhead with duties, dates, position and supervisor signature) is provided.

Entry requirements

Entry is for students who present an AU-approved two- or three-year diploma from an accredited college or technical institute. Transfer credit evaluation provides a minimum 30-credit block and up to 30 additional credits on an individual basis (maximum 60). Applicants must meet AU timelines for currency; if the diploma falls outside time limits, proof of currency should be provided promptly to avoid delays. Students follow the program regulations in effect at their time of enrolment.

Career prospects

The major prepares students for roles that involve building, analysing and managing computer-based information systems in business, education and other sectors that depend on information processing. The credential is also positioned as a stepping stone for further education and can assist in transferring toward professional programs (medicine, dentistry, veterinary) at other institutions, provided those institutions' entrance requirements are met.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should consult Athabasca University's financial aid and scholarship pages for current funding options. Transfer-credit decisions can affect remaining credit load and therefore tuition exposure; prospective applicants should confirm how transferred credits alter cost and eligibility for awards. For work-experience credit (currency) requests that support transfer of older courses, provide signed employer letters as specified to avoid delays in evaluation.