> Kwantlen Polytechnic University > Calendar > Programs > Computer Information Systems Diploma

This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Calendar for 2008-2009 (SPRING) and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the Calendar for updated information.

Computer Information Systems Diploma

.September/Fall 2008 intake for this diploma program has been postponed. You can still enrol in the certificate program.
DESCRIPTION

This program provides graduates with diverse computing knowledge to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes.

This program has been accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society's (CIPS) College Program Accreditation Council (CPAC).

Options: Regular and Co-op Mode

Students may graduate from either the regular Computer Information Systems mode or the optional Co-operative Education mode. Students applying for Co-operative Education must complete all prescribed courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.33 (C+), with no grade below a C in all required courses to progress to subsequent semesters.

In order to receive a Co-operative Education designation, the following additional criteria must be met:

  • successful completion of the three mandatory Co-operative Education courses
  • satisfactory completion of two four-month work terms

Approximately 22 hours per week is spent in classroom and laboratory settings. Students should expect to invest a minimum of an additional 30 hours per week completing assignments and projects. Students are encouraged to fully investigate workload issues before attempting to maintain any level of part-time employment outside of their studies.

Admission Requirements to Co-op Education

Co-op admission is optional/selective. Students wishing to choose the Co-op option must enroll in COOP 1101 in conjunction with their first academic term courses. Prerequisites for the first Co-op work term (COOP 1110) are permission of the instructor as well as the completion of first year courses with a minimum 2.33 grade point average.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A graduate of this program may find employment in the following areas:

  • Network administration
  • Systems and user support
  • Database design and management
  • Systems analysis and design
  • Software development
  • Software quality assurance and testing
  • Web design and development
  • Technical documentation
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants to full-time option currently enrolled in high school must submit an interim transcript at the time of application, indicating that the program prerequisites will be completed by the end of June.

English 12 with a B or higher, or LPI essay score of 30 or higher, or Kwantlen's EPT (English Placement Test) recommendation of 1100 or higher, or equivalent

Math 11 with a C+ or higher, or Kwantlen's MPT (Math Placement Test) Part C score of 11/ 15, or equivalent

Note: It is expected that applicants to the program have aptitude for working with computers, understand general computing concepts, have basic computer skills and working knowledge of the Windows environment.

CONTENT
Regular Mode (Start date: September)

Students must complete all courses listed in Group A and three courses from Group B.

Group A (Required Courses - Regular mode)

Fall start:

Note: All courses are not offered at all times or on all campuses. It is important to ensure work and personal schedules can accommodate the posted schedule times prior to committing to the program.

Normal course progression (full-time, Fall start)

  • Semester 1 - Fall
  • Semester 2 - Spring
  • Semester 3 - Summer
    • No CISY courses are offered
  • Semester 4 - Fall
  • Semester 5 - Spring
    • CISY 2415 Computer Project (Note: Students completing all required courses for Co-op mode are exempt from this course)
  • Semester 6 - Summer
Group B (Three Courses) - can be taken any semester
  • All of:
  • Two of:
    • ACCT 1230 Business Statistics
    • ACCT 2293 Introductory Financial Accounting
    • ACCT 3320 Introductory Management Accounting (Prerequisite: ACCT 1210 or ACCT 2293)
    • Any undergraduate level ECON (one course)
    • Any undergraduate level MRKT (one course)
Co-operative Education mode
Start date: September

Students must complete all courses listed in Group A and three courses from Group B as outlined above. (Note: Students completing all required courses for Co-op mode are exempt from CISY 2415 Computer Project).

In addition to the Regular mode as outlined above, Co-op students must also take the following COOP courses:

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
    • No COOP course required
  • Semester 3
  • Semester 4
  • Semester 5
  • Semester 6

For further information on Co-operative Education mode, please contact the Co-operative Education office at 604.599.2465.

TRANSFER

Kwantlen students who complete the prescribed courses in the Computer Information Systems Diploma program with a GPA of 2.7 or better will be eligible to enter the third year of the BTech (IT) Degree program. For more information see Information Technology (INFO).

An articulation agreement with the University of Lethbridge allows the graduating students of the CISY diploma program to complete post-diploma BSc in Computer Science in two additional years. Transfer credit to other post-secondary educational institutes will be reviewed on an individual course basis.

This program has been accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society's (CIPS) College Program Accreditation Council (CPAC). The CPAC works with academic institutions to ensure that educational programs prepare students for the demands of the information systems profession. Completion of accredited programs assists graduates in pursuing the Information Systems Professional of Canada (ISP) designation. More information about CIPS and the professional certification program can be obtained at www.cips.ca or 416.861.2477.

GRADUATION

Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Diploma of Computer Information Systems, or a Diploma in Computer Information Systems Co-operative Education option, depending on their course selection.