Program overview
Get a management perspective on using computers and information systems effectively in the business environment with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Computers and Management Information Systems.
You will gain a sophisticated understanding of relevant trends and issues, including how to align systems with business goals, and the more technical aspects of information systems management.
If you would prefer to focus only on information systems, you should consider the University Certificate in Computing and Information Systems.
Routes and options
Completing this certificate puts you on your way to achieving your Bachelor of Commerce, General.
To be sure you get the most benefit from your certificate courses, if you think you may want to transfer your certificate to a degree program, you should discuss your course selection with a program advisor.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1 year 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 have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.
If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 15 credits at AU.
You will not receive transfer credit for senior (300/400) level courses more than 10 years old in the following disciplines
- Accounting (ACCT)
- Management Science (MGSC)
- Legal Studies (LGST)
- Marketing (MKTG)
- Finance (FNCE)
- Taxation (TAXX)
If you are working in the field and provide evidence of current experience in these areas, this restriction will be waived.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the certificate.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:
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
As a result of completing this program, students should be able to
- demonstrate skills and knowledge related to management principles, techniques and tools essential to the application of computers and information systems in the business environment.
- demonstrate an understanding in the role of a business professional with sophisticated understanding of trends and issues related to information systems, including how to align information systems with business goals, and the more technical aspects of information systems management.
Possible career options
- Computer Consultant
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Informatics Consultant
- Informatics Security Analyst
- Information Systems Business Analyst
- Information Systems Quality Assurance Analyst
- Information Technology (IT) Consultant
- Management Information Systems (MIS) Analyst
- Systems Auditor
- Systems Consultant
- Systems Security Analyst