Program overview
Hone your information technology (IT) skills with the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major. This program will build the skills you need to develop and run computer-based systems in business, education, and other fields that process, use and manage information.
Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major curriculum balances the 2 broad areas of computing and information systems:
- computer science (developing infrastructure and systems for organizational processes)
- information systems (acquiring, deploying, and managing IT resources)
Why take the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major?
The knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major will help you utilize new IT and incorporate it into your organization's strategy, planning, and practices. You will be well equipped for managing departmental and individual IT systems.
You will also be ready for graduate studies at AU and other universities.
Routes and options
The Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major is equivalent to a 4-year degree program. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.
For students in the Bachelor of Science program wishing to combine 2 majors, all requirements of both majors must be fulfilled. The choice of major may restrict course selection or require the completion of more than 120 credits.
Available minors
You have the option of combining the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major with minors. This way you will be able to enhance your studies with another subject that may interest you. Students can select from the following minors:
Available minors include:
The Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major program also gives you the opportunity to shape your program further by being able to select the senior level computer science elective courses. We have developed a guide to help you select courses if you want to specialize in a certain area(s) of computing.
Post-diploma route
The post-diploma route is an option if you wish to pursue a university degree to further your academic studies.
If you hold a 2 or 3-year science or computing related diploma from an accredited college you may receive a minimum block of 30 credits. Depending on the content of the diploma, up to a maximum of 60 credits may be transferred to the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major post-diploma program.
Please note:
Students holding a computing-related diploma that is more than five years old from an approved college or technical institute may be admitted to the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major post-diploma program if a current resumé and letter from their supervisor/employer provide evidence of currency in the field since the diploma was awarded.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 2 years (post-diploma route) or 4 years (degree route) of full-time study. Or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you hold a 2 or 3-year science or computing related diploma from an accredited college you may receive a minimum block of 30 credits. Depending on the content of the diploma, up to a maximum of 60 credits may be transferred to the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major post-diploma program.
Please note:
Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual computer science courses that were completed more than 5 years ago and/or science courses that are over 10 years old if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services website for more information on transferring credit towards the Bachelor of Science program.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major.
Courses – program plans
Contact your student support and program advisor to help you design your program to fit your interests and goals.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following links:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
The successful student graduated from the program will be able to
- Apply knowledge and skills through critical thinking and logical reflection to analyze problem situations and identify the requirements of possible solutions to fit customer/organizational needs;
- Demonstrate collaborative or independent work to analyse information systems and match information and communication technology (ICT) solutions to requirements;
- Report scientific knowledge and findings in written, visual and verbal forms and to communicate scientific arguments effectively;
- Demonstrate professionalism and appreciation of ethical practice in science in the real world and build solutions in accordance with recognized approaches to good practice in ICT design and management
In order to achieve these outcomes, students will
- accomplish the specification, design and implementation of ICT solutions that address business problems and requirements
- build applications using software components particularly in an organizational environment
- model solutions to problems before or as part of the process of implementation
- build solutions in accordance with recognized approaches to good practice in ICT design and management
- identify the extent to which technological and/or organizational solutions, processes and techniques are effective
- adopt an efficient approach for information gathering, filtering and manipulation
- proficiently use information systems in an organizational environment to accomplish organizational goals and requirements
- make effective use of tools, methods and procedures to design, build and evaluate information systems
- efficiently learn new tools, technologies and methods that are required to be used by an ICT professional
- think logically and creatively
- perform effective research using a range of methods and sources
- adopt a methodical and rigorous approach to problem analysis and problem solving
- manage ICT development process
- manage ICT infrastructure to address business needs
- use effective project management methodologies to increase the chances of ICT project success
- make informed decisions and effective choices about ICT construction and management using practical and theoretical knowledge
- identify appropriate technologies and methods necessary to deliver products and services, related to current and future ICTs, that satisfy client needs
- use a critical and reflective awareness of the context, including the ethical and legal imperatives, in which professional activities are undertaken, when creating and/or managing ICT solutions
- competently practice appropriate professional skills, taking into account the ethical, social and legal dimensions that relate to those skills
- make effective use of the theories and models that underpin the application of those skills
- communicate clearly through a variety of electronic communication technologies to a variety of audiences
- present to a range of audiences reasoned arguments addressing a given technological opportunity
- conduct an informed debate on the merits and demerits of ICT solutions with others in the ICT industry as well as occupying other organizational roles
- efficiently work in and manage groups
- adopt a useful and productive role in a team
- allocate and undertake tasks leading to successful ICT projects
- apply knowledge of systems development lifecycles to accomplish successful ICT projects
- efficiently learn new tools, technologies and methods
- constructively reflect on past performance and future goals
- adopt a methodical and reflective approach to the acquisition of new skills and knowledge of ICTs
Possible career options
- Computer and Network Operator
- Computer Programmer
- Customer Support Analyst
- Data Administrator
- Systems Quality Assurance Analyst
- Database Analyst
- Helpdesk Technician
- Information Systems Consultant
- Software Development Specialist
- Software Support Specialist
- Systems Auditor
- Systems Security Analyst
- Web Technician
- Web Designer
- Webmaster
Continuing education
At Athabasca University:
At other educational institutions*
- graduate studies in computer science or other related/unrelated disciplines
- law
- education
* Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other educational institutions.