Computing Science and Information Systems General Diploma
The Computing Science and Information Systems Department’s two-year General Diploma program prepares students for a career in the computer industry. This program combines business applications, system and networking concepts and programming languages.
The General Diploma program gives students a broad business base and more advanced systems, programming and networking courses than does the one-year Certificate program. By choosing the appropriate courses, students may ladder into the appropriate degree programs offered by other educational institutions.
The Computing Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Program is subject to revision. Please contact the Chair of the CSIS Department at 604-527-5448 for details.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
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 Computing Science and Information Systems General 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 credits to UBC, SFU, UVic, UNBC, UFV, BCIT, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, University of Lethbridge and other institutions are arranged for many Computing Science and Information Systems courses.
Refer to the British Columbia Transfer Guide for individual course transfer.
Location
Available at the New Westminster Campus.
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
The program commences in September for full-time and part-time students. The application deadline is May 1 of each year. Since there is a limited number of seats available, it is advisable to apply early. International applicants are advised to apply well in advance of the deadline to allow time for processing.
Some courses may be available for part-time students who begin the program in January or May. The deadline to apply for the January intake is September 1. The deadline for the May intake is February 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
- Foundations of Math 11; OR Principles of Math 11 with "C" grade or better
Note: Please be advised that in order to register for CMNS1115, you must provide proof of English 12 with a grade of "B" or better or an equivalent. Equivalents/exemptions to this requirement are listed in the calendar.
The Computing Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Program is subject to revision. Please contact the Chair of the CSIS Department at 604-527-5448 for details.
Program Duration
This is a two-year program. Completing the program in four consecutive semesters (excluding the summer) requires a student to start the program 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
Computing Science and Information Systems General Diploma
Program Content
The student is required to complete 60 credits as follows:
• 30 CSIS credits (10 CSIS core courses)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| CSIS 1110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| CSIS 1140 | Productivity Software and Client Support | 3 |
| CSIS 1150 | Business Data Communications & Networking | 3 |
| CSIS 1155 | Hardware Maintenance Concepts | 3 |
| CSIS 1175 | Introduction to Windows Programming | 3 |
| CSIS 1280 | Multimedia Web Development | 3 |
| CSIS 2200 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CSIS 2300 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CSIS 3495 | Applied Research Projects | 3 |
| CSIS 3540 | Client/Server Systems | 3 |
• any other 12 credits of CSIS elective courses from the three CSIS specialty areas (four courses)
• 15 non-CSIS credits (5 non-CSIS courses) from the following table:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| ACCT 1110 or | Principles of Accounting I or | |
| ACCT 1235 | Principles of Accounting I & II | 3 |
| BUSN 1210 or | Management Essentials or | |
| ECON 1101 or | The Canadian Economy or | |
| ECON 1150 or | Principles of Microeconomics or | |
| ECON 1250 or | Principles of Macroeconomics or | |
| MARK 1120 | Introductory Marketing | 6 |
| BUSN 1330 or | Business Mathematics or | |
| FINC 1231 or | Commercial and Financial Mathematics or | |
| MATH 1130 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| CMNS 1115 | Practical Writing | 3 |
• additional 3 credits (one course) of general elective courses chosen from the following table:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| BUSN 1210 | Management Essentials | 3 |
| BUSN 1320 | Business Law I | 3 |
| BUSN 1330 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| CSIS 1275 | Java Programming | 3 |
| CSIS 2150 | Advanced Networking with CCNA II, III | 3 |
| CSIS 2280 | Web Server Administration | 3 |
| CSIS 2350 | Network Server Administration | 3 |
| CSIS 2365 | ASP .NET | 3 |
| CSIS 3275 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| ECON 1101 | The Canadian Economy | 3 |
| ECON 1150 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 1250 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| FINC 1231 | Commercial and Financial Mathematics | 3 |
| MARK 1120 | Introductory Marketing | 3 |
| MARK 1150 | Personal Selling | 3 |
Recommended Program Schedule (for General Diploma)
Semester I
| ACCT 1110 or | Principles of Accounting I or | |
| ACCT 1235 | Principles of Accounting I & II | 3 |
| BUSN 1210 or | Management Essentials or | |
| ECON 1101 or | The Canadian Economy or | |
| ECON 1150 or | Principles of Microeconomics or | |
| ECON 1250 or | Principles of Macroeconomics or | |
| MARK 1120 | Introductory Marketing | 3 |
| CMNS 1115 | Practical Writing | 3 |
| CSIS 1110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| CSIS 1175 | Introduction to Windows Programming | 3 |
| 15 | ||
Semester II
| BUSN 1330 or | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| FINC 1231 or | Commercial and Financial Mathematics | |
| MATH 1130 | Discrete Mathematics | |
| CSIS 1140 | Productivity Software and Client Support | 3 |
| CSIS 1275 | Java Programming | 3 |
| CSIS 1280 | Multimedia Web Development | 3 |
| CSIS 2200 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| 15 | ||
Semester III
| CSIS 1150 | Business Data Communications & Networking | 3 |
| CSIS 1155 | Hardware Maintenance Concepts | 3 |
| CSIS 2300 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CSIS elective | Any CSIS elective courses | 3 |
| General elective | Any general elective course | 3 |
| 15 | ||
Semester IV
| BUSN 1210 or | Management Essentials or | |
| ECON 1101 or | The Canadian Economy or | |
| ECON 1150 or | Principles of Microeconomics or | |
| ECON 1250 or | Principles of Macroeconomics or | |
| MARK 1120 | Introductory Marketing | 3 |
| CSIS 3495 | Applied Research Projects | 3 |
| CSIS 3540 | Client/Server Systems | 3 |
| CSIS elective | Any CSIS elective courses | 6 |
| 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.
Note: 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.
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