Bachelor of Computer Information Systems (BCIS)

Focus on the practical application of computer systems in a business environment. Develop a double skill set that combines technical understanding with solid business acumen in software development, systems analysis and project management.

This program, jointly offered by the Department of Mathematics and Computing and the Bissett School of Business, provides a forward-looking combination of computer and business courses. Throughout eight academic semesters and up to three cooperative work terms, students will develop the expertise required by computing professionals.

The program has been developed by following well-recognized international curriculum standards from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS) as well as through continuous consultation with senior managers from Calgary businesses. The end result is a degree that meets the needs of business as well as the needs of graduates who must adapt to change in the future.

Employers are looking for computer professionals with a wide range of skills and abilities. Besides technical skills, employees also need solid business knowledge, the ability to work effectively in teams, a willingness to think creatively, and to communicate effectively using speech, text and images. This degree prepares students for this environment through courses in computer science, business, communications, and general education.

The program concentrates on the practical application of computer systems in a business environment. Students acquire a solid foundation in programming, systems analysis and design, Internet development, hardware and networking support and in-depth knowledge of standard business practices. 

Students broaden their learning by extending it to the workplace during a minimum of one, and up to three, cooperative work terms where they will gain hands-on work experience.

With this blend of abilities, graduates are well-suited to work in large or small companies, act as self-employed consultants, or start their own businesses. Graduates may expect to find work as programmers or junior analysts, as a user and technical support specialists, as web developers, as database developers, or in one of many other IT-based jobs.

Curriculum:

• ACCT 2121 - Financial Accounting Concepts
• COMP 1502 - Programming II: Object Oriented Programming
• COMP 1701 - Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming
• COMP 2503 - Programming III: Data Structures
• COMP 2511 - Web I: Client Development
• COMP 2521 - Database I: Data Modeling and Query Languages
• COMP 2531 - Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
• COMP 2541 - Systems Analysis
• COMP 3309 - Information Technology and Society
• COMP 3512 - Web II: Web Application Development
• COMP 3532 - System Administration and Maintenance
• COMP 3533 - Network Infrastructure and Security
• COMP 4543 - Project Management and Quality Assurance
• HRES 2170 - Introduction to Human Resources
• MATH 1505 - Puzzling Adventures in Mathematics
• MGMT 3210 - Business Communication Theory and Practice
• MKTG 2150 - Introduction to Marketing or
• LSCM 2201 - Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• MGMT 2130 - Management Principles and Practices or
• ENTR 2301 - Innovation and the Entrepreneurial Experience or
• SINV 2201 - Introduction to Social Innovation
• Senior Approved Options
• COMP 3504  -  Programming IV: Software Engineering  
• COMP 3551  -  GUI Development  
• COMP 3505 - Software Testing 
• COMP 3523 - Applied Machine Learning 
• COMP 3654 - Usable Privacy and Security 
• COMP 4513  -  Web III: Advanced Web Development 
• COMP 4522  -  Database-II: Advanced Databases  
• COMP 4535  -  Computer Security  
• COMP 4545  -  Information Systems Organization  
• COMP 4555  -  Games Development  
• COMP 5590  -  Senior Project  

Career Possibilities:

• Computer systems/business analyst
• Network or database administrator
• Web/mobile application developer
• IT support manager
• Application architect
• Systems administrator