General Information

This program, jointly offered by the Department of Mathematics and Computing and the Bissett School of Business, offers 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 Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) 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, written words, and images. This degree will prepare you 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 will widen 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.

In addition, by completing the approved business courses in this degree program and with proper option selection, you may qualify for a Minor in Business.

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 user and technical support specialists, as web developers, as database developers, or in one of many other IT-based jobs.

Continuance in the Program

Students accepted into the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree program must comply with all University policies and regulations relating to baccalaureate degrees and continuance. Students must demonstrate that they are committed to the program by completing key courses in a timely manner:

• Students must have attempted or completed COMP 1501  (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C- within their first year or register and attempt COMP 1501  every semester it is offered until successful.
• Students must complete three COMP courses in the program with a minimum grade of C- in the first twenty courses after admittance to the BCIS program.

Students failing to meet any of these requirements will be notified and then may be removed from the BCIS program by the beginning of the next academic year.

Work Experience

The Academic Plan of Mount Royal stresses the importance of experiential education in all academic curricula. The Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree requires that all students complete at least one non-credit work experience term. Students can then proceed to take an optional work term, if they so wish.

Note: Students must complete the Orientation to Co-operative Education course (COOP 0001) prior to the mandatory work term, To be eligible for a work term students must have completed the prerequisite courses and must obtain a minimum cumulative GPA. For additional information, please contact the Career Services Work Experience Coordinator at 403.440.6542, Room A200.

Co-operative Education Option

The Academic Plan of Mount Royal stresses the importance of experiential education in all academic curricula. Accordingly, we offer all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems program the opportunity to pursue their degree as a Co-operative Education degree. Students who successfully complete three Co-op work terms will be eligible for a notation on both their transcript and their parchment, in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE).

To be eligible to participate in the BCIS Co-operative Education Option, students must have completed the prerequisite courses required for entrance into their respective co-op work-term placements and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA. Additionally, before beginning their first of three work terms, all Co-op students must complete the Orientation to Co-operative Education course (COOP 0001). For additional information about Co-operative education, please contact the Career Services department at 403.440.6542, Room A200.

Co-operative Education Fees

A half course fee is assessed for the Orientation to Co-operative Education course prior to the first work-term. Fees for each Co-operative Education work term are assessed thereafter on a course-by-course basis. These fees must be paid or notice of financial assistance provided by the fee deadline for the semester in which the placement occurs.

General Admission Requirements

All students must meet the general admission requirements for Mount Royal University programs, as indicated in the Admission  section of this calendar.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission  section, applicants must also satisfy the following criteria:

Academic Course Requirements

The following specific courses (or equivalencies) with the specified minimum grades are required for admission into the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems program.

• English Language Arts 30-1 - 60%
• Mathematics 30-1 - 60%

Although Conditional Admission may be granted in advance of receipt of final/official transcripts, confirmation of the achievement of specified minimum grades will take place after all final/official transcripts have been received by the University. Applicants who do not meet these minimum grade requirements will be denied admission.

Aboriginal Admission Requirements

Each year 7% of the admission seats in the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems program will be reserved for Aboriginal students through an Aboriginal admission target.

To be considered for admission under the Aboriginal admission target, the applicant must:

1. self-identify as an Aboriginal applicant on the Application for Admission.
2. meet the definition of an Aboriginal Applicant.
3. meet the minimum admission requirements as indicated in the General Admission requirements for Mount Royal University as well as the specific admission requirements for the Bachelor of computer Information Systems.

Designated seats for this special consideration target will be filled by Aboriginal applicants on a competitive basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply during Early Admission. Any unfilled designated seats will be released on June 1 to students applying under the General Admission requirements.

See general admission requirements in the Admissions  section of this calendar for further information.