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University Certificate in Computing and Information Systems

Regulations effective Sep. 1, 2024.

The University Certificate in Computing and Information Systems is designed to provide a solid educational base in computing and information systems. Graduates may use the credits in their future program studies if they wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science – Computing and Information Systems Major.

During this university certificate program, students start with foundational courses that introduce the basics of computing, programming, and web development. Students will comprehend the theories and technologies of computer operating systems, computer networks, system analysis and design, as well as database management. In addition, by completing certain elective courses offered in the program, graduates will gain specialized skills in different IT areas such as database management, system administration, computer programming, or web development.

Refer to the Faculty of Science and Technology website for course listings of the various specializations, or consult with the program director for advice.

Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 or ADMN 233 early in their program. For further information, refer to English Writing Skills Requirement.

Planning your program

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

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, Mapping Your Future.

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.

Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual computer science courses that were completed more than five years ago if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a resumé and letter(s) of employment. The letter(s) of employment need to show evidence of activity in this field over the five-year period prior to the request for transfer credit. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Science courses that are over 10 years old will be accepted for transfer credit if evidence of employment in a Science or Engineering field is supplied. Visit the SCIS website for more information regarding transfer credit time limits in relation to SCIS programs.

Students will be exempted* from the English Writing Skills Requirement (ENGL 255) if they have met one of the following criteria:

  • have a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level, or
  • receive transfer credit for an English course in which a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better was achieved.

* Note: The exemption must be replaced with a 3-credit course in any discipline at the junior/senior (200 to 400) level.

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 33
Required credits 27
Elective credits 6
Residency requirement. A minimum of 18 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University 18
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits 6

Required courses

(27 credits)

required courses
COMP 200 – Introduction to Computing and Information Systems (3)
COMP 268 – Introduction to Computer Programming (Java) (3)
or
COMP 206 – Introduction to Computer Programming (C++)
or
COMP 218 – Introduction to Computer Programming (Python)
COMP 266 – Introduction to Web Programming
 (3)
or
COMP 272 – Data Structures and Algorithms
COMP 314– Operating Systems (3)
COMP 347 – Computer Networks (3)
COMP 361 – Systems Analysis and Design (3)
COMP 378 – Introduction to Database Management (3)
ENGL 255 – Introductory Composition
(3)
or
ADMN 233 – Writing in Organizations
MATH 270 – Linear Algebra I**MATH 270 may be replaced with a 200-level 3-credit course in Science upon the approval of the program director. (3)

Electives

(6 credits)

electives
Senior (300/400) level Computer Science (COMP) or Computers and Management Information Systems (CMIS) credits (6)

Specific regulation

  1. Preparatory (100-level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of this certificate.
Information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.

Updated July 16, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)

https://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/ e4d7702e0a2a55fc5964e4ff7fdc9bb7