Computer Information Systems Diploma
(until Aug 31, 2008)
The Computer Information Systems two-year Diploma Program prepares students for a career in the computer industry. This two-year program combines business applications, system and networking concepts and programming languages.
The Diploma Program gives students a broad business base and more advanced systems, programming and networking courses than does the one-year Certificate Program.
The Computer Information Systems (CISY) Program is subject to revision. Please contact the Chair of the CISY Program at 604-777-6282 for details.
Faculty Listing
YU, Raymond, Chair
BSc (British Columbia) Dip Tech (BCIT) MBA (Seattle)
For full faculty listing, please refer to Computer Information Systems Department.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
There is a high demand for computer systems expertise in all types of organizations, from small- and medium-sized businesses to industry giants and in the public sector.
Graduates of the Computer Information Systems Diploma Program are qualified to ensure that appropriate current computer hardware and software can be used most effectively to meet business needs. Job titles change rapidly, but may typically include: computer support specialist, computer programmer, user analyst, Internet developer, computer systems marketing specialist, network administrator, network user support specialist, technical support staff, help desk specialist, network operator. Graduates may also pursue self-employment, installing and maintaining computer hardware and software for small- to medium-sized business clients.
Transfer credit to UBC, SFU, UNBC, UVic, UCFV, BCIT, Kwantlen University College, University of Lethbridge, and other institutions is available for many Computer Information Systems courses.
Refer to the British Columbia Transfer Guide (www.bctransferguide.ca) for individual course transfer.
Location
Available at the New Westminster Campus.
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
**Application deadlines may be extended.
Note: for the Winter 2011 intake, the application deadline has been extended to October 1, 2010. This deadline may be extended.
The program commences in September for full-time and part-time students. The application deadline is May 1 of each year. Because there is a limited number of seats available it is advisable to apply early.
Some courses may be available for part-time students who begin the program in January or May. The application deadline for the May intake is February 1. The application deadline for the January intake is September 1.
Other Information
This program offers a free information session. For more details about dates, times and locations, please check on-line.
Co-operative Education Option
Students in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation. Co-op Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms. Job opportunities are enhanced after completing the Co-op option. For further information see the Co-op Education section in this calendar or contact the Co-op Education office at 604-527-5100.
Admission Requirements
- General Admission Requirements
- English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or approved substitution
- Principles of Math 11 with "C" grade or better or equivalent (NURS/HISP/CISY Readiness Assessment)
Note: Please be advised that in order to register for CMNS 1115, you must provide proof of English 12 with a grade of "B" or better or an equivalent. Equivalents/exemptions to this requirement are listed at pfllpa.htm.
Requirements are subject to change. Students should check with the Business Coordinator if they are in doubt.
Program Duration
This is a two-year program. Completing the program in four consecutive semesters (excluding the summer) requires beginning in September. Some students choose to take longer than four semesters to complete the program. This program may also be taken on a part-time basis.
Credentials
Computer Information Systems Diploma
Program Content
Semester I
| ACCT 1110 or ACCT 1235 |
Principles of Accounting I or Principles of Accounting I and II |
3 |
| BUSN 1330 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| CISY 1110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| CISY 1165 or CMPT 1101 |
Introduction to Programming using VisualBasic.NET or Introduction to Programming using VisualBasic.NET |
3 |
| CMNS 1115 | Practical Writing | 3 |
| 15 |
Semester II
| BUSN 1210 | Management Essentials | 3 |
| CISY 1410 | Microcomputer Concepts and Software Applications | 3 |
| CISY 2200 | Information Systems I | 3 |
| CISY 2255 | Hardware Maintenance Concepts | 3 |
| CISY 2365 | Visual Basic .NET II | 3 |
| 15 |
Semester III
| CISY 1275 or CMPT 1110 | C++ Programming | 3 |
| CISY 1280 | Multimedia Web Development | 3 |
| CISY 2300 | MIS/Database Management | 3 |
| CISY 2345 | Data Communications I OR CISY 2346 Networking Essentials with CCNA I | 3 |
| ECON 1101 | Canadian Economy | 3 |
| 15 |
Semester IV
| CISY 3445 | Networking and Communications II | 3 |
| CISY 3480 | Programming with Java | 3 |
| CISY 3495 | Applied Research Project | 3 |
| CISY 3540 | Client/Server Systems | 3 |
| MARK 1120 | Basic Marketing | 3 |
| 15 |
All courses listed above earn 3 credits each. For most courses, this means meeting twice a week for two hours each time: two hours of lecture and two hours of seminar or lab per week. If the class meets in the evening, three hours are scheduled once a week and students are expected to spend additional time at a computer at their own convenience.
Notes:
The program is set up so that if you attend full-time (five courses per semester) you can start in the
Fall semester, spend two academic years and earn your diploma. (Fall, Winter, Fall, Winter). Part-time
students are also welcome, but must plan carefully because:
- Semester I courses are usually available in any semester (Fall, Winter or Summer)
- Semester II courses are always available in the Winter semester, sometimes in other semesters. Usually BUSN 1210, CISY 1410 and CISY 2200 are available in any semester.
- Semester III courses are always available in the Fall semester, rarely in other semesters, except for CISY 1275 in Winter; CISY 2300 is also available in the winter semesters and ECON 1101 is available in all semesters.
- Semester IV courses are always available in the Winter semester, rarely in other semesters except for MARK 1120 which is available in all semesters.
*(see related programs)
Related programs
Computing Science and Information Systems Programs:


