Athabasca University

Programme overview

The Computing and Information Systems (CIS) major prepares students to develop and use computer-based systems for processing, managing and utilising information across organisations. The major is embedded in the BSc framework: the full degree is 120 credits with a residency minimum and specific senior- and science-credit requirements. Program learning outcomes and online program plans are available from the university to help with course selection and career planning.

What you'll study

The CIS major requires 45 credits in the major, combining 24 credits of core COMP courses and 21 credits of senior COMP electives. Core courses cover programming, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, networking, systems analysis and design, database management, human–computer interaction and a project course. Students must take COMP 495 (Computer and Information Systems Projects I) through Athabasca University as the capstone. Electives must be senior-level (300+); up to three AU graduate-level computing courses may be used as senior COMP electives (subject to exclusions and different fees).

• Core COMP courses (24 credits): COMP 268, COMP 272, COMP 314, COMP 347, COMP 361, COMP 378, COMP 482, COMP 495 (COMP 495 must be taken at AU and normally occurs last).
• Electives (21 credits): any senior-level COMP courses; graduate-level AU COMP courses may be used with restrictions; some COMP graduate courses are excluded.
• Common BSc core requirements: a statistics course (MATH 215 or MATH 216), calculus (MATH 265 or MATH 270 when selecting CIS), COMP 200 or COMP 210 (COMP 200 required for CIS/minor), SCIE 326, SCIE 480 or COMP 494 (COMP 494 required for CIS), a professional ethics course (PHIL 333 or PHIL 371), ENGL 255 (or an approved exemption replaced by a 3-credit junior/senior course), and at least one science project course (COMP 495 is the CIS project option).

Entry requirements

Students follow the program regulations in force at their enrolment. Degree totals and key minima include 120 total credits, a minimum of 30 AU credits (24 AU credits to be considered for graduation distinction), at least 72 senior (300/400) science credits, and a minimum of 45 credits in the major with at least 15 of those through AU. Preparatory-level credits are limited, and PLAR credit is capped. Students with a prior degree applying under second undergraduate degree regulations may transfer up to 60 credits if applicable; preparatory (100-level) credits cannot be used for a second undergraduate degree.

Career prospects

The program is intended for students aiming to develop and implement information systems in organisational contexts such as business and education. Athabasca notes program learning outcomes that outline potential career paths available after graduation; the curriculum emphasises technical foundations (programming, databases, networks, operating systems), systems analysis and HCI, combined with a project-based capstone to demonstrate applied competence.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Scholarships, awards and funding for BSc students vary by institution and student circumstance. Prospective applicants should review Athabasca University's financial aid, scholarship pages and program advising resources early; consider planning course load and residency requirements to remain eligible for distinctions or program-specific awards.