Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Degree

The Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree is a four-year program which includes a broad selection of computing, mathematics, business, and communications courses so graduates can function successfully in a variety of roles in the Information Technology field.

The courses are grouped into required courses (which all students take), courses from one or more options (an option is a collection of courses dealing with a specific area of computing), and elective courses. This structure allows students to concentrate on areas of computing (Software Design and Development, Database Systems and General Studies) which interest them, while ensuring all graduates have a broad knowledge of computing. With further independent study, graduates may earn industrial certification from companies such as Oracle, IBM, Cisco or Microsoft.

The BCIS degree is available as a co-op program. Taking co-op work terms may lengthen the program by one year or more.

Students who have completed Okanagan College's Computer Information Systems diploma or the Network and Telecommunications Engineering Technology diploma, or a similar program of studies may enter at year three. Other students enter at year one.

Admission Requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes.

English Requirements: English 12 with 60% or alternatives.

Math Requirements:

A minimum of 60% in any of:

• Pre-calculus Grade 12
• Principles of Mathematics 12
• Adult Basic Education MATH 012
• Okanagan College MATH 120

Or a minimum of 67% in any of:

• Pre-calculus Grade 11
• Foundations of Mathematics Grade 12
• Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11
• Principles of Mathematics 11
• Applications of Mathematics 11
• Applications of Mathematics 12
• Adult Basic Education MATH 011
• Adult Basic Education MATH 084 and MATH 085
• Adult Basic Education IALG 011

or a minimum of 70% in any of:

• An Okanagan College Mathematics 11 Proficiency Test
• An Okanagan College Mathematics 12 Proficiency Test

Other Requirements: Attendance at a mandatory orientation. Applicants will be notified of dates.

Applicants to third year: Students who have completed Okanagan College's Computer Information Systems diploma, Infrastructure and Computing Technology diploma, or a similar program of studies from another institution may enter at year three.

Keyboarding Skills: Keyboarding skills of at least 20 wpm are strongly recommended.

Access to a Personal Computer: Students entering this program are strongly advised to have access to a personal computer at home with Internet access, both with adequate resources for this level of study. Students may consult the Computer Science Department for hardware and software recommendations.

Personal Suitability: Prospective applicants should consider assessing their suitability for the program by researching Computer Information Systems.

Program Outline

Electives for all students - 24 credits
Electives must be chosen to ensure the following credit requirements are met. See group definitions below.

Total credits: at least 120 

Group 1: at least 78 credits 
Group 2: at least 15 credits 
Group 3: at least 6 credits 
Upper-level (courses numbered 300 or higher): at least 42 credits 
Upper-level group 1: at least 36 credits
Group 1: courses in Computer Science and other subjects which lead to an Associate of Science Degree, except MATH 120, plus Network and Telecommunications Engineering Technology, and Electronic Engineering Technology.
Group 2: refers to all courses in Communications and courses in other subjects which lead to an Associate of Arts Degree. This group does not include science courses.
Group 3: Business Administration courses.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of required and elective courses as listed with a minimum graduating average of 60%.