COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Website: www.ufv.ca/cis

Computing technology continues to change at a rapid pace and the impact of both the technology and the change on the business world is significant. Businesses and organizations throughout the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland require trained personnel to not only use, but also to design, implement, maintain, support, and manage their systems.

The Computer Information Systems programs offered at UCFV provide such training. Graduates from certificate programs are knowledgeable and experienced in using smaller single-user systems, and graduates from diploma programs are capable of working with both single and networked systems, as well as mid-size systems.

Diploma graduates are also capable of supporting and maintaining systems through the regular and changing requirements placed by ongoing business demands. The degree program builds on this base to provide graduates with additional technical knowledge and skills as well as a better business background. This will provide graduates with an ability to more easily move into managerial positions in the information systems categories or to become more involved in the software development industry.

UCFV offers the following programs to prepare students for careers in a business computing environment:

• Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree. A four-year program. A Co-operative Education option is available that ladders on the diploma co-op option.
• Computer Information Systems diploma. The diploma program may be completed in two years without the co-op designation and work terms. A Co-operative Education option is available that can ladder on to the degree.
• Computer Information Systems certificate (formerly Micro-Computers in Business) A one-year certificate program. A customizable one-year certificate program, combining a mixture of CIS, Business, and other courses, that may ladder into the diploma. Students expecting to complete the diploma should apply to the diploma program rather than the certificate program.
• Continuing Studies in Computing. UCFV’s Access and Continuing Studies division provides services to suit the needs of special groups. Workshops, employee in-service training, and upgrading can be provided at a reasonable cost on a contract basis. For further information, contact 604-854-4576 (Abbotsford), or 604-792-0025, local 4576 (Chilliwack).

Career opportunities

Careers for software workers fall into two general categories: those involved in the software development industry and those that are in-house software driven. The BCIS degree program aims to provide an up-to-date skill set for the in-house worker category, and a skill set for the software industry worker category that will be fairly narrowly defined initially, but will expand as courses are added to the program. Effective information systems must be supportive of the strategy, goals, and objectives of the organization they serve, and therefore it is critical that IS professionals not only have the technical skills to handle these systems, but that they also have the organizational and managerial backgrounds necessary to understand the business functions and role of their systems. In addition to a sound computing background and ability to speak the language of business, graduates generally require good academic, personal management, and teamwork skills. Because of its importance in the business world, a great deal of emphasis is placed on writing throughout the program.

Students completing the BCIS degree program who wish to pursue further studies would normally choose an MBA program or a master’s degree program with an Information Systems speciality. Students wishing to transfer to honours or major programs in preparation for graduate work in computing science should include COMP 150 and MATH 111 in their first semester and should discuss their goals with the CIS department head prior to their second semester.

Graduates of the diploma programs are qualified for entry-level programming or analyst jobs, or positions in small businesses that already have computerized systems or are expanding in that direction. While the initial work might be related to specific computerized applications, graduates would be involved with all phases of computer growth in the company, and would normally expect to supervise the other employees in this area after sufficient on-the-job experience.

Graduates of the certificate program would be employed primarily by companies that are using specific computer applications such as inventory control or accounting.
The graduate might be the only employee familiar with computers in a small office, or might work under supervision in a larger office. Some office tasks, such as data entry and word processing, would likely be involved, and the employee's career would be expected to develop together with the data processing needs of the company.

Computer Information Systems, Co-operative Education option

The Co-operative Education option offers students in the Computer Information Systems diploma and degree programs the opportunity to obtain paid, career-related work experience in their field of study during their education at UCFV. After completing their first year of study, Co-op students alternate between semesters of full-time study and full-time paid employment.

A typical study and work schedule is:

* These study and work term sequences will vary for students entering into a UCFV Co-op option at the third-year level. See the Co-operative Education section of the calendar for further details.

Students wishing to enter the Co-op diploma program  should apply through the Centre for Co-operative Education and Employment Services in the fall by October 31. Students are expected to follow the schedule of work/study as established for the program, be taking all of the semester courses as described in the calendar, and have credit for all previous courses in the program maintaining a grade point average of at least 2.33 (C+). Refer to Co-operative Education  in the Introduction and General Information section. Students in certificate programs who wish to consider the co-op diploma option should contact the CIS program head prior to registering for their second academic term.

Entrance requirements for all programs

Students who do not meet program entrance requirements or who lack recent B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, are encouraged to consult with the department head at 604-854-4556 or the departmental assistant at 604-854-4589 to discuss their likelihood of success.

A. Certificate and diploma requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent. In addition, those 19 years or older and lacking graduation may be considered if their work experience indicates a reasonable chance of success.

2. The math requirement for the CIS certificate, diploma, and degree is:

• A grade of C+ in B.C. Principles of Math 12, including the Provincial Exam component (see note 1), or
• MATH 094 and 095 with an average grade of C+ or better, or
• MATH 110, or the equivalent, with a C+ or better.

Note 1: B.C. Principles of Math 12 completed without the Provincial exam before September 1, 2001, will be accepted with a grade of C+.

Students who are graduating from Grade 12 but have not completed B.C. Principles of Math 12 with a C+ will be permitted to apply early for the CIS certificate or diploma programs, and may be accepted upon successful completion of the math requirement. Proof of successful completion must be received by the CIS department by August 1.

3. All students entering the CIS programs are expected to be computer literate. This includes knowing how to run programs and manage files in a Windows environment and having basic Internet, word processing, and spreadsheet skills. Students should consult the CIS website for specific prerequisite skills needed for beginning courses.

4. Completion of the prerequisite for entry into CMNS 125. This course is normally taken in the first semester of study in the CIS diploma program. Basic English skills are a requirement for all CIS programs. The requirements are currently:

• A CPT score of 48 or better, or
• CMNS 099 with C+ or better, or
• ENGL 099 with a C or better, or
• ENGL 081 or 091 with a C+ or better.

Students should note that the Composition Placement Test (CPT) should be written well ahead of time, as CPT results may not be returned for six weeks or more. Students will need their CPT score (or equivalent) before being permitted to register in CMNS 125, and will not be granted admission to the CIS program until proof of these requirements is received by the CIS department. In some cases, arrangements may be made to write the CPT at other institutions.

5. Students wishing to ladder into the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree should consult the degree program requirements before registering for diploma courses. Prerequisites for electives and required courses in departments other than CIS may be higher than those necessary for diploma completion.

6. Students entering any Computer Information Systems program are strongly advised to ensure that they have access to a personal computer and an internet connection, both with adequate resources for their level of study. Students may consult the CIS department or the Computer Information Systems Student Association for hardware recommendations.

B. Degree entrance requirements

1. UCFV Computing Information Systems diploma or other similar two-year Computer Information Systems diploma.

2. CGPA of at least 2.67 (B-) is required for all courses listed above.

3. The math requirement for the CIS degree is:

• A grade of C+ in B.C. Principles of Math 12, including the Provincial Exam component (see note 1), or
• MATH 094 and 095 with an average grade of C+ or better, or
• MATH 110, or the equivalent, with a C+ or better.

Note 1: B.C. Principles of Math 12 with a grade of C+, taken without the provincial exam before Sept. 1, 2001, will be accepted.

4. Graduates of similar CIS diploma programs throughout the province may require some additional coursework prior to admittance.

5. Requests for transfer of computing-intensive courses will be checked for currency relative to the current CIS program.

C. Qualifying and Conditional Admission

Students with minor deficiencies may, at the discretion of the Computing Information Systems department, be considered for conditional or qualifying admission.

D. Admission to courses

Admittance to the program does not guarantee admittance to any particular course section in any particular semester.

E. Technology requirements

Students entering any Computer Information Systems program are strongly advised to ensure that they have home access to a personal computer and an internet connection, both with adequate resources for their level of study. Students may consult the CIS department or the Computer Information Systems Student Association for hardware and software recommendations.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application to certificate/diploma:

• proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or permission from the program head
• transcript (or interim transcript) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements.

Additional documents required for a complete application to degree:

• an official transcript (original sealed envelope) from every post-secondary institution you have attended. Unofficial copies may accompany the application form if official transcripts have been ordered.

2. In April you will be informed of the orientation meeting date. This meeting is usually held on a weekday evening in May or June. You must attend or make special arrangements with the department.

3. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

If the program is full, or you are waiting to find out about admission to the program, you will be given an opportunity to register as a general student. It is not necessary to submit a separate application form. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available later, you will be contacted.

4. In some cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due by the end of the first week in August.

Fees and additional costs

Fees stated are in effect for 2003/04 and are subject to change for 2004/05.

The fees for a full-time certificate, diploma, or degree student (five courses or 15–20 credits) would be approximately $1,700–$2,200 per semester. Books and additional supplies would normally cost $75 to $150 per course. There may be some additional recommended and mandatory costs in Computer Information Systems program courses, above tuition and textbook costs. These may include training manuals, software, and hardware costs. These expenses will vary from year to year. Students should budget between $500–$1,000 for such costs over the four years of a degree program. See Fees and Other Costs section for other student costs. Credits and fees also apply to the co-op work terms.

Location

All courses are offered in Abbotsford and many first-year Business Administration and Computer Information Systems courses are offered in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission. Some courses will be offered in the evening for people working full-time who wish to take courses on a part-time basis.

Length of programs

The full degree program can be completed in four years of full-time study; however, formal entry to the degree is at the third-year level after students have completed two years through the diploma program. Due to the demand for courses, students cannot be guaranteed entry to any CIS course. The fact that they may have to be wait-listed for some courses may add to the length of time it takes to complete a program.

The full diploma program takes two years (four semesters) of full-time study. This is the minimum length of time required for students who enter the program with no previous computing experience and who expect to have a solid grounding in the subject. The co-op diploma is 28 months and includes four academic semesters and three work terms.

The certificate program requires two full semesters and can be completed in one year or less.

Need to apply for re-admission

Students in any CIS program (certificate, diploma, or degree) who fall into any of the following categories must apply for re-admission.

1. Absence from a CIS program for more than three consecutive semesters (including fall, winter, and spring). A student who withdraws from all courses in a semester will be considered not to have registered in that semester.

2. Withdrawal from the first semester of attendance before completing any course work, or failure to register.

3. Official completion of a CIS program or a change to another program.

CIS course challenge policy

Course challenge is intended to grant credit for knowledge gained outside of UCFV that is not transferable under existing arrangements. A list of undergraduate courses approved for course challenge is available at the Admissions and Records office. Course challenge should be applied for at the time of entry to the CIS program.

To apply you must formally submit a typed letter to the CIS department head for all course challenges, preferably at the time you enter the CIS program. You are expected to explain which course(s) you wish to challenge, and be able to support your request by describing your prior knowledge and experience in the course material, including documentation such as certification, resumJs, etc.

Applications for course challenge will then be considered by the CIS department, and if approved, the course challenge will be arranged in the beginning of the next semester in which the challenged course is offered.
If you are unsuccessful in the course challenge, you will have to re-enroll for the regular course at your own expense. Please see the CIS department for more detailed information.

Computer Information Systems certificate

This program is designed to meet the needs of small companies who require employees with some computer experience.

Academic performance for the certificate program

Students in the CIS certificate program must maintain semester and cumulative grade point averages of at least 2.0 (a C average) in order to be awarded the certificate.

Students who do not maintain the required cumulative grade point average will be placed on Academic Warning for one semester. If they do not attain the required CGPA,  they will be required to withdraw from the program. Students who have been required to withdraw are not normally readmitted to the program.

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice. No more than five course duplications will be permitted in work used towards any CIS program. When a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Program outline

Students who want a certificate as a basic exit credential can choose any 30 credits from the CIS offerings, including degree program non-CIS courses, at least one half of which must be CIS or COMP courses. Those who may want to ladder this credential into the diploma are advised to take the courses listed for the first year of the diploma. Students entering the certificate program without any computer literacy skills will need to take CIS 100 or COMP 100 in addition to the 30 credits.

Computer Information Systems diploma

This program combines studies from the computing, business, and communications fields, so students will acquire enough skills to obtain a first job and also a broad base from which to expand their training. The four-semester program provides theoretical groundwork and specific skill development courses, with major emphasis on practical, hands-on work.

Academic performance for the diploma program

Students in the CIS diploma program must maintain semester and cumulative grade point averages of at least 2.0 (a C average) in order to be awarded the diploma.

Students who do not maintain the required cumulative grade point average will be placed on Academic Warning for one semester. If they do not attain the required CGPA, they will be required to withdraw from the program. Students who have been required to withdraw are not normally readmitted to the program.

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice. No more than five course duplications will be permitted in work used towards any CIS program. When a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Diploma program outline

Diploma and Years I and II of the degree program

The CIS diploma is the foundation of the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree program. The diploma represents the first two years of the degree and is a prerequisite for entrance into the actual degree program, which begins in third year and continues into fourth year.

Year I

Fall semester

Winter semester

Year II

Fall semester

Winter semester

Note 1: CIS electives: diploma students will take two of:

Warning: Students proceeding to the degree program should note that some optional courses are prerequisites for some upper-level courses.

Students should choose their optional second-year courses carefully, so that they obtain the prerequisites for the upper-level CIS/COMP courses they wish to take.

Note 2: Business or Communications elective options: BUS 102, 120, 143, 144, 145, 162, 201, 203, 223, or CMNS 212, 235, or 275.

Note 3: Students cannot obtain credit for both CIS 145 and CIS 146 for the CIS diploma.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see Course descriptions section.

Bachelor of Computer Information Systems

Program requirements

BCIS degree students are required to complete 40 courses with a cumulative value of approximately 132 credits. The 20 pre- admission courses will normally be from the lower-level courses listed for the CIS diploma program or equivalent (see diploma program outline for details).

The remaining 20 courses will include:

• 13 upper-level CIS/COMP courses listed in Years III and IV of the degree program outline

    Plus

• MATH 106: Statistics I
• Business or Communications elective from approved list
• Approved Arts elective
• Two lower-level electives in another discipline
• Two upper-level electives in another discipline.

General and upper-level electives

Students will select two approved upper-level electives. Students are encouraged to choose electives that will complement their career choice. These could include math or science courses focusing on problem solving, or business administration courses focusing on management. Suggested courses include those with writing, applied communications, or media components; analytical skills components; or presentation and teamwork-building components.

Students should plan their lower-level electives carefully so that prerequisites are met for the two required upper-level electives.

Academic performance for the degree program

Students in the third and fourth years of the BCIS degree program must maintain semester and cumulative grade point averages of at least 2.0 (a C average) in order to be awarded the degree. Non-elective upper-level courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher in order to be counted for credit towards the degree.

Students who do not maintain the required cumulative grade point average will be placed on Academic Warning for one semester. If they do not attain the required CGPA, they will be required to withdraw. Students who have been required to withdraw are not normally readmitted to the program.

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice. No more than five course duplications will be permitted in work used towards any CIS program. When a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Transfer credit

At least 50 per cent of the course work must be completed at UCFV, including at least 30 upper-level credits.

Course withdrawal deadlines

See Course withdrawal under Admissions & Registration in the Introduction and General Information section.

Degree program outline

Years I and II (see diploma and Years I and II of the degree program above)

Years III and IV of the degree program

Year III

Fall semester

Winter semester

Year IV

Fall semester

Winter semester

Note 1: The current approved Arts elective options are available online at: www.ufv.ca/cis/courses/artselectives.htm

Note 2: Business or Communications electives options: BUS 102, 120, 143, 144, 145, 162, 201, 203, 223, or CMNS 212, 235, or 275.

Note 3: CIS/COMP courses numbered 300 or above elective option:

Bachelor of Computer Information Systems minors

Minor in Business Administration

The BCIS degree (Business Administration minor) is designed for students who wish to prepare for information technology careers requiring a business background. This degree will prepare graduates for careers in information technology management, and for business-related computing work.

Entrance, academic performance and all other requirements are the same as for the regular Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree program.

Entry to the BCIS degree (Business Administration minor) will be granted when students have completed the lower-level (diploma) requirements shown below and have been accepted into the Business Administration minor program.

Students should apply to Business Administration in their second year of the CIS diploma program for entry to the Business Administration minor program.

Entry to the BCIS degree (Business Administration minor) will be limited by available space. Students should advise the CIS department head of their intentions while in their first year of study. Students may apply to the CIS department for entry in the last semester of their lower-level requirements.

Students may change from the BCIS degree (Business Administration minor) to the regular CIS degree at any time, providing they meet the current CIS degree continuance requirements.

Lower-level requirements

Lower-level requirements are the same as for the CIS diploma. Students are advised that upper-level Business Administration courses have prerequisites. Students should plan their lower-level course work carefully with the Business Administration department to ensure that they have these prerequisites in place.

Upper-level requirements

Although some first- and second-year Business Administration courses are listed in upper-level requirements, they should be taken as early as possible, as they may be prerequisites for upper-level business courses.

Upper-level requirements

Students should consult the CIS degree program outline for information on when CIS upper-level courses are normally taken. Students should consult the Business Administration department and current timetables for information on when Business Administration courses are offered.

Minor in Mathematics

The BCIS degree (Math minor) is designed for students who wish to prepare for information technology careers requiring a mathematical background.

• Entrance, academic performance, and all other requirements are the same as for the regular Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree program, with one exception. In the lower-level diploma program, students intending to enter this degree will take two Math courses as a start to their minor, in place of the Business or Communications elective and the approved Arts or other approved elective normally taken in the CIS program.
• Entry to the BCIS degree (Math minor) may be granted when students have completed the lower-level requirements shown below.
• Entry to the BCIS degree (Math minor) will be limited by available space. Students should advise the CIS department head of their intentions while in their first year of study. For this option, students should apply to the CIS department in the last semester of their lower-level requirements.
• Students entering the BCIS degree (Math minor) may be lacking two courses required for the CIS diploma. They may still receive the CIS diploma if they complete those two courses (a Business or Communications elective, and an approved Arts or other approved elective). A mathematics course may be accepted as the Arts or other approved elective. Either of MATH 106 or 270 will be accepted as the statistics course.
• Students may change from the BCIS degree (Math minor) to the regular BCIS degree at any time, providing they meet the current CIS degree continuance requirements.

Lower-level requirements

Lower-level requirements are the same as for the CIS diploma, with the exceptions that

• the Business/Communications elective is replaced by MATH 111
• the approved Arts or other approved elective is replaced by MATH 112
• MATH 104 or 106 is replaced by MATH 125.

Students are advised that upper-level Mathematics courses have prerequisites. Students should plan their lower-level course work carefully to ensure that they have these prerequisites in place.

Upper-level requirements

* MATH 225 is strongly recommended

Students should consult the CIS degree program outline for information on when CIS upper-level courses are normally taken. Students should consult the Mathematics department and current timetables for information on when Mathematics courses are offered.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see Course descriptions section.

Faculty

Paul Franklin, MSc (SFU), Department Head
Stephen Bohm, BEng, MASc (Concordia)
Shelley Drysdale, BASc (UBC), MEng (UBC), PEng
Ravi Gill, BCIS (UCFV)
Daniel Harris, BCIS (UCFV)
Duncan Jeffries, BSc (UBC), MSc (UBC)
Paul Kroeker, BCIS (UCFV)
Edward Lo, MASc (UBC), PEng
Veena Merz, BSc, MA, MCP+Internet, MCSE
Patrick O‘Brien, BComm (Windsor), MSc (BSU)
Gary Ridsdale, PhD (SFU)
Paul Rushton, BSc, BEd (Dalhousie), MSc (Alberta)
Sandi Sasaki, BA (SFU), Instructor’s Diploma (VCC), Lab Instructor
Ora Steyn, BA (South Africa)
Chris Watkiss, PhD (Toronto)

Part-time faculty

Trish Blondin, Dip (BCIT)
Vijay Dass, Dip (Singapore)
Nicole Egresits, MOUS, Dip (CDI)
David Fynn, CA
Colleen Gingerich, BA (Michigan)
Jim Hamlin, BCIS (UCFV)
Jim Hobek, Dip (CDI)

Program staff

Leslie Bogula, Media Resources Dip. (Capilano), Departmental Assistant
Dave McCarthy, BA, MCSE, MCT, System Administrator

Program Advisory committee

The Computing department receives both advice and assistance from members of an advisory committee on all aspects of the program. Current members include:

Nicolle Bourget, Telus Enterprise Solutions
Steve Calnek, TSC Software
Computer Information Systems Student Association Member, UCFV
Terry Cox, Computing and Technical Services, UCFV
Lance Duthie, BC Hot House Foods Inc.
Dana Epp, Fraser Valley Linux Users Group
Darlene Jensen, Canada Customs Revenue Agency
Rob Mitchell, Cooperative Education, UCFV
Trevor Newton, Stratabase
Aaron Shepard, Correctional Service Canada
Randall Venhola, Discovery Software

To course descriptions index
Return to Faculty of Community Access, Business, & Information  Technology index
Back to Calendar home page