Bachelor of Science, Computing and Information Systems Major
The Computing and Information Systems Major is designed for students who wish to develop and use computer-based systems in business, education, and other fields that require the processing, utilization, and management of information. Students will gain the requisite knowledge and skills in the analysis, design, and implementation of computer-based information systems for various organizations.
Planning your program
Online program plans assist students in selecting the courses needed to fulfill their program requirements.
AU has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.
Minors
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science with major, can also declare a minor. Minors are available in:
Program requirements
Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.
Program structure
The following Program Structure section applies to all Bachelor of Science degrees with Major. Additional Requirements to the Major are found below and may override the general regulations.
| Total credits in the program | 120 |
| Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University | 30 |
| Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
Minimum credits required
| Senior (300 or 400) level | 72 | |
| Science credits | 72 | |
| In the major (if selected) | 45 | |
| In the major through Athabasca University | 15 | |
| In the minor (if selected) | 24 | |
| In the minor through Athabasca University | 9 | |
| Senior Science credits (300 and 400 level) | 45 | |
| Senior Science credits at 400 level | 15 | |
| Social Science credits | 6 | |
Maximum credits allowed
| In any one Science discipline | 75 |
| Senior project credits (495/496) | 12 |
| At the preparatory (100) level | 6 |
| Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits | 30 |
Core course requirements
| MATH 215 – Introduction to Statistics | (3) |
| or | |
| MATH 216 – Computer-oriented Approach to Statistics | |
| MATH 265 – Introduction to Calculus I* | (3) |
| *(When selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor, MATH 265 may be replaced with MATH 270.) | |
| COMP 200 – Introduction to Computing and Information Systems** | (3) |
| or | |
| COMP 210 – Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications | |
| **(COMP 200 is required for students selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor.) | |
| SCIE 326 – Scientific Reasoning | (3) |
| SCIE 480 – Research Methods in Science | (3) |
| or | |
| COMP 494 – Research Methods*** | |
| ***COMP 494 is required for students in the CIS major. | |
| PHIL 333 – Professional Ethics | (3) |
| or | |
| PHIL 371 – Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment | |
| ENGL 255 – Introductory Composition (see English writing skills requirement) | (3) |
Computing and Information Systems – specific requirements
In addition to the BSc program general requirements, a major in Computing and Information Systems involves the completion of 45 credits of core and elective courses.
The Computing and Information Systems major cannot be combined with the Computing minor or the Information Systems minor.
Core courses
(24 credits)
| COMP 268 – Introduction to Computer Programming (Java) | (3) |
| or | |
| COMP 206 – Introduction to Computer Programming (C++) | |
| or | |
| COMP 218 – Introduction to Computer Programming with Python | |
| COMP 272 – Data Structures and Algorithms | (3) |
| COMP 314 – Operating Systems | (3) |
| COMP 347 – Computer Networks | (3) |
| COMP 361 – Systems Analysis and Design | (3) |
| COMP 378 – Introduction to Database Management | (3) |
| COMP 482 – Human Computer Interaction | (3) |
| COMP 495* – Computer and Information Systems Projects I | (3) |
| * COMP 495 must be taken with Athabasca University. Transfer credit will not be awarded. This course should be taken as the last course or set of courses in the program. |
Elective courses
(21 credits)
Students complete a minimum of 21 credits selected from the Computer Science (COMP) discipline. All 21 credits must be at the senior (300 or higher) level.
Up to three Athabasca University graduate-level computing courses can be taken to fulfill senior-level COMP electives. The courses are paced and have specific start dates. Please refer to the Graduate Academic Schedule for registration deadlines. If the graduate-level credit is used to fulfill a Bachelor of Science Major in Computing and Information Systems requirement, it cannot be applied to another undergraduate or graduate degree. Please note that the fees for graduate-level courses differ from those of undergraduate courses. To register in a graduate-level course, please complete the printable undergraduate course registration form, and email it to fst_grad_success@athabascau.ca.
Courses excluded from this list include: COMP 601, COMP 695, COMP 692, COMP 693, COMP 696, COMP 697, COMP 698, COMP 699, COMP 676, COMP 677, COMP 678, COMP 679, and COMP 680.
Additional program regulations
- Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual Computer Science courses that were completed more than 5 years ago if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services section of the Calendar for more information regarding transfer credit towards the BSc program.
- Students holding a computing-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 5 years old may be admitted to the BSc PD program if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
- If the following courses are over 10 years old: BIOL 325, BIOL 341, BIOL 401, BIOL 480, CHEM 301, and NUTR 406; Athabasca University may grant transfer credit if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
- An individual course can only be used to fulfill one requirement in the program. For example, no course can be used to complete the specific requirements of both the major and the minor. Also, a course that fulfills the BSc program general requirements cannot be used to satisfy the specific requirements of either the major or the minor.
- Preparatory (100 level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the Post Diploma program.
Updated July 25, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)