Domestic students
$5,957
estimated first-year cost
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Degree
Turn your interest in technology into an advanced computing career.
Develop advanced computing skills through a four-year degree covering software development, databases, systems analysis and more. Choose a specialization in software design, data engineering and AI, or cybersecurity, and apply your learning through projects and optional co-op work terms.
Program at a glance
Credential
Degree Degrees are multi-year academic programs that prepare you for professional careers or advanced study. They build in-depth knowledge in your chosen field and can lead to graduate studies or higher-level career opportunities.
Delivery mode
In-person In-person
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
4 years
Program codes
- Code: BCIS
Cost
Domestic students $5,957 estimated first-year cost Domestic students Estimated first-year cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $5,957 Estimated total program cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $24,603 International students $26,532 estimated first-year cost International students Estimated first-year cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $26,532 Estimated total program cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $105,953
Location
- Kelowna Full program offered in Kelowna
- Vernon Partial program offered in Vernon
Available for
- Domestic students
- International students
Program features
TBD
Program overview
About the program
The Bachelor of Computer Information Systems (BCIS) gives you a broad foundation in computing, mathematics, business and communications. Build skills in software development, database systems and systems analysis, then focus your studies on an area of computing that matches your interests and career goals.
Choose from options in Software Design and Development, Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, or General Studies. Coursework covers programming, web development, operating systems, networking, database management, software engineering and project management.
You will also develop the communication, analytical and problem-solving skills needed to work with technical teams and business stakeholders. Practical assignments and software engineering projects help you apply what you learn to real computing challenges.
The degree is available with optional co-op work terms, which provide opportunities to gain workplace experience. Students who have completed an eligible Computer Information Systems or Infrastructure and Computing Technology diploma may be able to enter directly into the third year.
What you'll learn
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
- Design, develop, test and maintain software applications.
- Apply programming concepts, algorithms and data structures to computing problems.
- Analyze information systems and develop technical solutions.
- Design, implement and manage database systems.
- Apply software engineering methods and project management practices.
- Understand computer architecture, operating systems and network technologies.
- Evaluate cybersecurity risks and apply security concepts.
- Work with data engineering and analytics technologies.
- Communicate technical information clearly to different audiences.
- Consider ethical and professional responsibilities in computing.
- Collaborate on software and information technology projects.
Skills you'll learn
- Software design and development
- Programming and application development
- Object-oriented analysis and design
- Systems analysis
- Database design and administration
- Data management and engineering
- Artificial intelligence and data mining fundamentals
- Cybersecurity principles
- Network programming and administration
- Operating systems
- Software testing and quality assurance
- Project management
- Technical communication
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
Tools you'll learn
- Programming languages and development environments
- LAMP web development technologies
- Client-side web development tools
- Database management systems
- Data warehousing and data mining technologies
- Linux and other operating systems
- Network programming and administration tools
- Mobile application development platforms
- Software engineering and project management tools
- Cybersecurity analysis and forensic tools
Work-integrated learning
The BCIS degree is available with optional co-op work terms. Co-op gives you the opportunity to apply your technical knowledge in a workplace, develop professional connections and gain experience in the technology sector. Work terms may extend the program by one year or more.
The Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree is a four-year program that offers a broad selection of computing, mathematics, business, and communications courses so that graduates can function successfully in various roles in the Information Technology field.
The courses are grouped into required courses (which all students take), courses from one or more options (an option is a collection of courses dealing with a specific area of computing), and elective courses. This structure allows students to concentrate on areas that interest them, while ensuring that all graduates have a broad knowledge of computing. With further independent study, graduates may earn industrial certification from companies such as Oracle, IBM, Cisco or Microsoft.
The BCIS degree is available as a co-op program. Taking co-op work terms may lengthen the program by one year or more.
Students who have completed Okanagan College's Computer Information Systems diploma, the Infrastructure and Computing Technology (ICT) Diploma, or a similar program of studies may enter year three. Other students enter at year one.
Tuition and fees
-
Domestic students Estimated first-year costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $5,957Estimated total program costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $24,603
-
International students Estimated first-year costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $26,532Estimated total program costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $105,953
- 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.
-
Check if this program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid and Awards
-
All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
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: English 12 with 60% or alternatives.
- 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
- A minimum of 60% in any of:
- Other Requirements: Attendance at a mandatory orientation. Applicants will be notified of dates.
- Applicants to third year: Students who have completed Okanagan College's Computer Information Systems diploma, Infrastructure and Computing Technology diploma, or a similar program of studies from another institution may enter at year three.
- 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 25% of the program including a minimum of 30 credits at the 300-level or higher must be completed through OC.
Program details
Year 1
Complete all of the following:
Complete two Mathematics courses in either of these two ways:
Either, complete:
MATH 139 - Mathematics for Information Technology
And one of:
Or, complete:
MATH 112 - Calculus I
And one of:
Complete the two communications courses:
Alternative Communications and English courses from other programs and accredited post-secondary institutions for transfer students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Year 2
Complete all of the following courses:
COSC 205 - Project Management
COSC 211 - Machine Architecture
COSC 213 - Web development with LAMP
COSC 219 - Client-side Web Systems
COSC 222 - Computer Data Structures
COSC 224 - Projects in Computer Science
COSC 236 - Object-Oriented Systems Analysis and Design
COSC 304 - Introduction to Database Management Systems
COSC 315 - Introduction to Operating Systems
COSC 215 - Graphical User Interface Programming
Please refer to the CIS diploma program page for details of the typical sequencing of courses for the first two years of the BCIS degree.
Year 3 and 4 - Software Design and Development Option
30 credits required for the option:
And at least one of these two courses:
And at least one of these two courses:
And at least one of these two courses:
And at least two of these courses:
Plus, a minimum of 9 upper-level COSC credits (not already chosen).
Required for all BCIS students, also complete the following:
Students also need to complete 24 credits of electives to meet the total credits requirement. See Notes section for details on choosing electives.
Year 3 and 4 - Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Option
30 credits required for the option:
At least one of:
And at least one of:
And at least two of:
Plus, a minimum of 6 upper-level COSC credits (not already chosen).
Required for all BCIS students, also complete the following:
Students also need to complete 24 credits of electives to meet the total credits requirement. See Notes section for details on choosing electives.
Year 3 and 4 - Cybersecurity Option
45 credits required for the option:
ICT 151 - Network Foundations for Cybersecurity
ICT 218 - Client and Server Security
ICT 212 - Cybersecurity Analysis
ICT 225 - Internetwork Security I
COSC 331 - Microservices and Software Architecture
COSC 417 - Topics in Computer Networks
COSC 470 - Software Engineering
COSC 434 - Database Administration
COSC 328 - Linux Networking
COSC 332 - Cyber Forensics & Zero-Trust Network
COSC 232 - Information System Security
COSC 419 - Topics in Computer Science
Plus 9 upper-level COSC credits (not already chosen).
Required for all BCIS students, also complete the following:
Students also need to complete 9 credits of electives to meet the total credits requirement. See Notes section for details on choosing electives.
Year 3 and 4 - General Studies Option
Complete 30 credits of upper-level COSC not already chosen.
Required for all BCIS students, also complete the following:
Students also need to complete 24 credits of electives to meet the total credits requirement. See Notes section for details on choosing electives.
Year 4 - Honours Degree Option
Complete All of the following:
Students must complete 90 credits in the BCIS degree with a grade of 82% or higher to be eligible for the Honours Degree Option.
In addition to the 120 credits, students must also complete the following 6 credits: COSC491 and COSC492, and achieve a graduating grade average of 82% across the 126 credits.
Required Academic Courses
Credits from Group 1 courses (Science, Technology and Engineering. See definition in Notes section): at least 78 (26 x 3-credit courses)
Credits from Group 2 courses (Communications and Arts. See definition in Notes section): at least 15 (5 x 3-credit courses)
Credits from Group 3 courses (Business Administration. See definition in Notes section): at least 6 (2 x 3-credit courses)
Credits from upper-level courses (courses numbered 300 or higher): at least 42 (14 x 3-credit courses)
Credits from upper-level Group 1 courses: at least 36 (12 x 3-credit courses)
Notes
Course groups definitions:
Group 1: courses in Computer Science and other subjects that lead to an Associate of Science Degree, except MATH 120, plus Infrastructure and Computing Technology (ICT), and Electronic Engineering Technology (ELEN). COSC 115, COSC 122, and COSC 180 may not be used as electives.
Group 2: courses in Communications and courses in other subjects which lead to an Associate of Arts Degree. This group does not include science courses.
Group 3: Business Administration courses.
Notes for choosing electives and meeting the requirements:
By following the course outline of any of the options, the 78-credit requirement in Group 1 is automatically met.
Choose at least two electives from Group 2. The 15-credit requirement in Group 2 can be met with the 3 mandatory courses (CMNS 113, CMNS 123 and PHIL 331) and the two Group 2 electives.
Choose at least one elective from Group 3. The 6-credit requirement in Group 3 is met with the mandatory BUAD 123 and the Group 3 elective. Note that if BUAD 335 is chosen in the Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Option, it counts as a Group 3 course.
Consider choosing from the following list for BUAD electives:
Other BUAD courses may be acceptable with the permission of the Computer Science department chair. BUAD 107 is not acceptable.
COSC 304 and COSC 315 are considered upper-level although they are typically taken in Year 2. Together with the 30 upper-level COSC credits in Year 3 and 4, the 36-credit requirement in upper-level Group 1 is automatically met, except that if BUAD 335 is chosen in Database and Big Data Management Option, in which case one upper-level Group 1 course should be taken as elective.
At least one of the electives should be upper-level. The requirement for 42 upper-level credits can be met with the 36 upper-level Group 1 courses, PHIL 331 and the upper-level elective.
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