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certificate in computing and information systems

program description

Computer science and information systems come together in the discipline of computing and information systems (CIS).

CIS differs somewhat from other purely academic disciplines in that it combines theory and practice into comprehensive skill sets.

This certificate will give you the opportunity to develop a sound understanding of the general principles of computer information systems and their applications.

As a result of completing this program, you should be able to demonstrate a general understanding of each of the major subject areas that define the discipline, as well as the interrelationships that exist among them — the major subject areas being programming languages, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture and operating systems, data communications and computer networks, database and information retrieval, Web technologies, and systems development.

Please note that this certificate is offered online.

Career Possibilities

Though job titles vary widely, graduates are typically hired at an entry-level position as a

  • Computer Operator

  • Analyst

  • Web Designer

Further Education

This certificate ladders into a variety of online bachelor degrees at Canadian universities. For example:

If you plan to study in Canada in the future, this certificate also ladders into many oncampus degrees at universities across Canada.

admission requirements

Before applying, please review some sample courses and read the following web pages that describe this program and regulations at Athabasca University, which is the Canadian university delivering this program.

http://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/page03_29.html
http://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/page06_02.html#individualizedstudy
http://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/page07_09.html
http://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/page01_03.html#compreq
http://www2.athabascau.ca/students/tutors.php
http://www2.athabascau.ca/aboutau/distanceeducation.php
http://scis.athabascau.ca/undergraduate/index.jsp?sn=crses

course requirements

This program allows you the freedom to select from a wide variety of information technology courses to best meet your career and further educational goals.

To earn this certificate, you must complete 11, three-credit online courses. If you have extensive information technology (IT) skills from the workplace, IT credits from recognized universities, or IT vendor certification, you may apply for prior learning assessment to reduce the number of courses required.

Students have 6 months to complete each course. Students should take no more than 3 COMP courses at any time.

The programming language requirements are COMP 268 (Java) and COMP 272 (Java), as noted below.

By completing different combinations of courses described in the program, graduates can specialize in different IT areas such as database management, system administration, computer programming, or Web development.


Students who have not yet completed an acceptable combination of courses, should consult with the Program Director to determine which course(s) they should take that will satisfy the requirements. Some courses will begin to specify Java as a prerequisite, but usually allow other possibilities. As you complete the certificate, we recommend that you take no more than three COMP courses simultaneously.

Final course selection will be determined by your advisor.

The list of courses below is subject to change.

Required Courses:

    • to specialize in system administration, take COMP 266, COMP 268, COMP 315, COMP 365, and COMP 374.
    • to specialize in database management, take COMP 315, COMP 378, and COMP 418 after either COMP 266 and COMP 268, or COMP 268 and COMP 272.
    • to specialize in Web site development, take COMP 266, COMP 268, COMP 308, COMP 378, and COMP 466.
    • to specialize in computer programming, take COMP 268, COMP 272, COMP 308, COMP 378, and COMP 489.

See online samples of most of the required courses.

Software and Hardware Requirements

The major piece of software used in these courses is the browser you are using now.

Other software, including tools for various aspects of the courses you are taking, will be described in more detail in the specific course syllabi and study guides.

You will need, at the very least, a computer with 256 MB memory (RAM) and a large hard disk (at least 10 GB of free hard disk space for office automation and compiler software).

You will also need Windows (2000, XP, or Vista), a CD-ROM drive, a printer and a connection to the Internet.

If you are running an older version of Windows such as 2000, you will need to ensure the required software will install on that version.

If you are buying a new computer, we recommend purchasing a computer with a minimum of 1 GB of memory, and a 60 GB hard disk. If you are purchasing a computer with the Windows XP operating system, we strongly recommend you purchase the Professional Edition and not the Home Edition.

If you are purchasing a computer with Windows Vista, there is no recommendation at this point which edition to purchase. (Vista Premium or Business is suggested.)

You may use alternative platforms, such as Linux or Mac, for a number of courses. The requirements for the CD-ROM, hard drive, printer and modem remain the same. To use the Linux platform, you will need an X Windowing System.

Scholarship Information

If you are a citizen of and living in a Caribbean country and if you meet the above admission requirements, you may be eligible for a scholarship to pay your tuition for this program.

All other students should enrol directly at Athabasca University.

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