Organizations of all sizes rely on information technology (IT) to remain competitive. If you are good with computers and love problem-solving, you may want to take advantage of the diverse — and well-paid — opportunities that the IT sector offers in British Columbia.
UFV's intensive, two-year Computer Information Systems (CIS) diploma provides you with a broad base of IT knowledge. You explore to a full range of key topics such as network and database administration, web design, network security, information systems management, and programming, which allows you to take your career in a number of different directions.
In addition to learning how to design, build, and manage computer systems, you also take business and communications courses to prepare for the challenges of the workplace. As part of the program's strong emphasis on practical work, you apply what you learn in the classroom on hands-on projects in UFV's well-equipped labs.
While you pursue a CIS diploma, you can take advantage of UFV’s optional paid co-op work placements to apply your knowledge to real-world problems and gain work experience in the information technology field.
If you wish to continue your studies after two years, you can apply your course work to the requirements for a UFV Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree or transfer to another university.
A recent BC Stats Report shows that British Columbia’s technology sector is strong and growing. Average weekly earnings for technology employees are 85% higher than for non-tech workers in British Columbia and the unemployment rate has reached an all-time low. New technology companies are developing and B.C. continues to out-perform all other provinces in venture capital investment per capita.
The UFV CIS diploma program prepares you to take advantage of these opportunities and enter the field of information technology as an entry-level programmer, analyst, or computer network technician. Or you could find work with a small business to maintain their computer systems, while also providing support for a variety of computer applications.