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Undergraduate Certificate in Computers and Management Information Systems

Regulations amended, effective September 1, 2022.

The University Certificate in Computers and Management Information Systems is designed to develop skills and expertise in the area of computers and management information systems and provide a foundation for further studies.

This certificate will provide students with knowledge of management principles, techniques, and tools essential to the application of computers and information systems in the business environment. It will also prepare them as a business professional with sophisticated understanding of trends and issues related to information systems. Students will develop an understanding of the more technical aspects of information systems management, and how to align information systems with business goals.

The University Certificate in Computers and Management Information Systems is offered by Athabasca University’s Faculty of Business, 1.800.468.6531, or email.

Planning your program

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

Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Program requirements

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

Transfer credit will not be accepted if course(s) completed more than:

  • 10 years ago in Business and Administrative Studies area of study at the (300/400) level;
  • 5 years ago in the CMIS (all levels);
  • 10 years ago in Statistics (all levels).

If you are currently working in the field and provide evidence of work being completed, this restriction may be waived. Transfer credit being used to satisfy options other than those in the Business and Administrative Studies area of study will not be restricted.

The following general regulations apply to all certificate programs.

University certificate programs provide interim qualifications in specific subject areas. Athabasca University has developed individual program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

  1. Fifty per cent* of the total credits required must be completed through Athabasca University. Up to 50 per cent of the required credits may be transferred from another post-secondary institution.
    * Some certificate programs require less than 50 per cent, e.g., University Certificate in Counselling Women.
  2. University certificate credentials are awarded throughout the year. Students must submit an Application for Graduation Form to the Office of the Registrar (see Graduation).
  3. Students with less than 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program may withdraw from their degree and apply into a university certificate program. Credit will be awarded (from the previous incomplete degree program) to the extent permissible under the applicable program regulations in effect at the time of the change of credential.
  4. Students with 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program are encouraged to consult with a student advisor before changing programs.
  5. Students who change their program of study from an Athabasca University degree program to a university certificate program forfeit their standing in the degree program. If students wish to return to the degree program (after being enrolled in the university certificate program) they will be required to meet the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-enrolment (see Changing Programs) to the degree.
  6. Students who have completed a previous credential (degree, certificate, or diploma) from Athabasca University or another institution must complete a minimum of 50 per cent of the credits in course work not previously used towards any credential.

    Students who have a previous credential in the same subject area as the certificate cannot enrol in the certificate.

  7. Students who have completed the former University Certificate in Labour Relations or the University Certificate in Labour Studies may not enrol in the University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations.

Program structure

program structure
Total credits in the program 30
Required credits 21
Elective credits 9
Residency requirement. A minimum of 15 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University 15
Maximum Prior Learning and Assessment (PLAR) credits 6

Required courses

(21 credits)

required courses
ACCT 250
or
ACCT 253		 Accounting for Managers
or
Introductory Financial Accounting		 (3)
ADMN 232
or
ADMN 201		 Introduction to Management
or
Introduction to Business Studies		 (3)
ADMN 233 Writing in Organizations (3)
CMIS 245 Microcomputer Applications in Business (Windows) (3)
CMIS 214 Custom Applications with C# (3)
or
CMIS 431 Information Technology Leadership*
(added as an alternative to CMIS 214 on Sep. 1, 2025)
CMIS 351 Managing Information Systems (3)
MGSC 301 Statistics for Business and Economics (I) (3)

Electives

(9 credits)

Electives
1. Business and Administrative Studies (any level) (3)
2. Any 6 credits selected from the following:
CMIS 455 Accounting Information Systems (3)
COMM 243 Interpersonal Communication (3)
COMP 200 Introduction to Computing and Information Systems (3)
COMP 268 Introduction to Computer Programming (Java) (3)
COMP 361 Systems Analysis and Design (3)
COMP 378 Introduction to Database Management (3)
BTMA 320 Overview of e-Commerce (3)
MKTG 396 Introduction to Marketing (3)
Information effective Sept. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2023.

Updated August 26, 2025 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)

https://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/2022/ d3e6db940a2a3e94614b8a68649057e0