51³Ô¹Ïapp

Academic Calendar 2024/25

Computer Information Systems

Computer Information Systems diploma

This program combines studies from the computing, business, and communications fields, so students will acquire enough skills to obtain a first job and also a broad base from which to expand their training. The four-semester program provides theoretical groundwork and specific skill development courses, with major emphasis on practical, hands-on work.

Entrance requirements

Entrance requirements for the CIS diploma are the same as those for the BCIS degree. Please see the BCIS section for complete details.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

  1. Apply online at .

    Additional documents required for a complete application:

    • Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or permission from the program head.
    • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to 51³Ô¹Ïapp from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details. Unofficial copies may accompany the application form if official transcripts have been ordered.

  2. Upon admission to the program applicants will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.
  3. In some cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due by the end of the first week in August.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Program duration

The Computer Information Systems diploma is four semesters in duration.

Program outline

The CIS diploma is available to students who have completed the first two years of the BCIS degree.

Students continuing in the degree program should note that some optional courses are prerequisites for some upper-level courses. Students should choose their optional second-year courses carefully, so that they obtain the prerequisites for the upper-level CIS/COMP courses they wish to take.

The following is an example of a typical schedule.

First year

Semester I

Course Title Credits
CIS 145 Web Publishing 3
or CIS 146 Web Publishing — Intermediate (discontinued) (see Note 1)  
CIS 190 Systems Hardware Concepts 3
COMP 125 Principles of Computing 3
Elective Approved Arts or other approved elective (see Note 2) 3–4

Semester II

Course Title Credits
CIS 192 Introduction to Networking 4
COMP 150 Introduction to Programming 4
MATH 125 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 4
One of: 3
CMNS 125 Communicating Professionally to Academic and Workplace Audiences
CMNS 175 Writing for the Internet
ENGL 105 Academic Writing

Second year

Semester III

Course Title Credits
CIS 291 Networking Theory and Applications 4
COMP 155 Object-oriented Programming 4
CIS 221 Principles of Information Systems Security 4
CMNS 251 Professional Report Writing 3
Plus: One CIS or COMP 200-level elective (see Note 3) 3–4

Semester IV

Course Title Credits
CIS 285 End User Training and Support 3
CIS 270 Analysis and Design 3
COMP 230 Databases and Database Management Systems 3
COMP 251 Data Structures and Algorithms 4
Plus: One BUS or CMNS elective (see Note 4) 3

Note 1: CIS students cannot obtain credit for both CIS 145 and CIS 146 towards their program.

Note 2: The current approved Arts elective options are available online here.

Note 3: Those students who plan to complete the Systems and Networking concentration as part of BCIS degree requirements must take CIS 292.

Note 4: Business or Communications electives options: BUS 100, BUS 120, BUS 143, BUS 144, BUS 145, BUS 160/CIS 110, BUS 201, BUS 203, BUS 223 (discontinued), CMNS 212/MACS 212, CMNS 235, or CMNS 375.

Co-operative Education option

The Co-operative Education option offers students in the Computer Information Systems program the opportunity to obtain paid, career-related work experience in their field of study during their education at 51³Ô¹Ïapp. Both the diploma and degree are available with a Co-op option. After completing their first year of study, Co-op students alternate between semesters of full-time study and full-time paid employment. See the Co-operative Education section of the calendar for further details.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at 51³Ô¹Ïapp. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at 51³Ô¹Ïapp. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s .

Course repetition

Students with more than five course duplications in CIS or COMP courses at the 200/300/400 level will not be eligible to graduate with a Computer Information Systems diploma. Multiple repeats of the same course count as a single duplication. Where a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Residency

Students must complete at least 21 credits of CIS/COMP courses required in the diploma at 51³Ô¹Ïapp.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.


Current Students