Computer Information Systems Diploma

Computer Information Systems student studies on his break in a campus lounge area

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma Diplomas offer practical, career-focused training and are usually completed in one to two years. They help you gain technical and workplace skills that are in demand across many industries.

Delivery mode

On-campus All classes take place in-person at one of our campuses.

Time commitment

Full-Time You take a regular course load and move through the program at the standard pace. Expect to study most weekdays.

Duration

2 years

Program codes

  • Code: CIS

Cost

$5,696 per year Domestic students: $11,392 for the entire 2-year program $50,950 total program cost International students: $50,950 total program cost

Location

  • Kelowna, Vernon Full program offered in Kelowna and Vernon

Available for

  • Domestic students
  • International students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

Learn technical aspects of computer information systems, including software development, database systems and systems analysis. Develop software for computers, websites and mobile applications. Collect and manage data to design models for technological solutions.

The diploma prepares graduates for roles in entry-level positions:

  • Software Developer
  • Systems Analyst
  • Database Administrator
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • IT Consultant

Diplomas from Okanagan College in Vernon allow students to be exempt from the work experience requirement for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) for the North Okanagan-Shuswap region!

RCIP is a special program available in only 14 communities across Canada. It helps international students who graduate from certain programs at Okanagan College (Vernon or Salmon Arm campus) stay in Canada long-term to support local job needs.

Completing this program in the Okanagan College (Vernon campus) allows students to be exempted from the work experience requirement for the RCIP in the North Okanagan–Shuswap region.

For more information, visit the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) website, the RCIP section on the Immigration and Citizenship website, or contact the International team at askoc@okanagan.bc.ca.

The Computer Information Systems diploma is a two-year program that includes a broad selection of computing, mathematics, business, and communications courses so graduates can function successfully in various roles in a business organization, high-technology company, or government department. These roles include entry-level positions as computer programmer, programmer/analyst, business systems designer/developer/analyst, web designer/developer and database architect/administrator.


The courses in the diploma are grouped into required courses and elective courses.


The program is available as a co-op program. The department recommends participating in co-op between the third and fourth academic semesters if possible. Taking co-op work terms will lengthen the program to approximately three years.


Graduates of this program may proceed directly to the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree or, after completing some extra courses, to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Admission and program requirements

  • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes.
  • English Requirement:
  • Math Requirement:
    • A minimum of 60% in any of:
      • Pre-calculus Grade 12
      • Principles of Mathematics 12
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 012
      • Okanagan College MATH 120
    • Or a minimum of 67% in any of:
      • Pre-calculus Grade 11
      • Foundations of Mathematics Grade 12
      • Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11
      • Principles of Mathematics 11
      • Applications of Mathematics 11
      • Applications of Mathematics 12
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 011
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 084 and MATH 085
      • Adult Basic Education IALG 011
    • Or a minimum of 70% in any of:
      • An Okanagan College Mathematics 11 Proficiency Test
      • An Okanagan College Mathematics 12 Proficiency Test
  • Other Requirements: Attendance at a mandatory orientation. Applicants will be notified of dates.
  • Keyboarding Skills: Keyboarding skills of at least 20 wpm are strongly recommended.
  • Access to a Personal Computer: Students entering this program are strongly advised to have access to a personal computer at home with Internet access, both with adequate resources for this level of study. Students may consult the Computer Science Department for hardware and software recommendations.Personal Suitability: Prospective applicants should consider assessing their suitability for the program by researching Computer Information Systems.

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC including completion of a minimum of 18 credits of 200-level courses or higher.

Start date
Location Location
Delivery mode Delivery mode
Application status
Sep. 2026
Vernon
On-campus
Open
Open
Sep. 2026
Kelowna
On-campus
Open
Open

Tuition and fees

  • Domestic students: $11,392 for the entire 2-year program
  • International students: $50,950 total program cost
  • Fees listed are for first year (two semesters) for a typical, full-time student taking five courses per semester. Depending on the campus and the courses selected fees may vary.

  • Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.

  • Detailed International tuition fees information.

  • Check if this program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid and Awards

  • All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

  • Detailed domestic tuition and fees information

Program details

Year 1

Semester 1

CMNS 113 - Technical Communication I for Information Technology
COSC 109 - Technical Aspects of Operating Systems
COSC 111 - Computer Programming I
MATH 139 - Mathematics for Information Technology
COSC 117 - Computer Science Fundamentals

Semester 2

CMNS 123 - Technical Communication II for Computer Science
COSC 121 - Computer Programming II
COSC 126 - Systems Analysis and Design
COSC 118 - Networks and Telecommunications I
And one of:
COSC 221 - Introduction to Discrete Structures
MATH 251 - Introduction to Discrete Structures

Co-op Term

May to August
COSC 101 (Co-op Work Term I): 4 months

Year 2

Semester 3

COSC 213 - Web development with LAMP
COSC 222 - Computer Data Structures
COSC 236 - Object-Oriented Systems Analysis and Design
COSC 304 - Introduction to Database Management Systems
COSC 219 - Client-side Web Systems

Co-op Term

January to December
COSC 102 (Co-op Work Term II): 4 months January - April
COSC 103 (Co-op Work Term III): 4 months May - August
COSC 104 (Co-op Work Term IV): 4 months September - December

Semester 4

COSC 205 - Project Management
COSC 224 - Projects in Computer Science
COSC 315 - Introduction to Operating Systems
COSC 215 - Graphical User Interface Programming
One elective

Notes:

Students must choose electives from COSC or ICT (formerly NTEN) courses. COSC 115, COSC 122, and COSC 180 may not be used as electives.
Other electives may be available; contact the Computer Science department chair.

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