FAQ

Absolutely. However, students should develop basic skills in personal computer use before starting Computing Concepts. If you are new to computers, please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss how to prepare for the CBIS Program.

Yes. The ability to use various software packages is only one component of the Program. You also will gain knowledge and expertise in systems design and in management issues connected with information systems in the workplace. You may also be eligible for advanced standing in introductory courses.

Upon completion of the program, you will have gained and practiced a number of skills that will be of benefit to you and your employer. You will be a highly educated user of computer systems, and will be able to converse intelligently with computer specialists. Many CBIS graduates have moved into information technology areas within their organizations; other graduates have branched out into careers in the high-technology field as business or systems analysts, local area network administrators, or independent consultants.

Upon completion of the Program, you are awarded the CBIS Certificate issued by the Senate of the University of Victoria.

Yes. You can receive credit through Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU) (formerly, British Columbia Open University (BCOU)). Most courses may be used for transfer credit toward programs at TRU. Contact TRU at 1-800-663-9711 for further information.

The CBIS Program leads naturally into further learning opportunities. CBIS graduates without a bachelor's degree can transfer most of the program for credit towards a degree from TRU.

Absolutely. All Technology and Analysis courses are offered by distance. Most Business and Technology and Education and Workplace Training electives are offered by distance education at least once per year.

CBIS courses typically start in January, May and September each year. Dates will be posted on our web site. Unlike TRU, we do not allow students to start distance education courses at any time in the year.

CBIS offers courses in three terms, beginning in September, January, and May each year. Assuming only one course is taken each term, it takes three years to complete nine courses. Taking three one week intensive on-campus courses reduces completion of the program.

Most core courses will be scheduled twice a year, unless they are under re-development. Electives are offered as demand warrants. Please contact the Program Coordinator for details.

Yes, but students working full time are advised to take not more than two courses simultaneously as each course workload is designed to be ten to fifteen hours per week.

Computing Concepts is the starting point as it is a prerequisite for all of the other courses. It is recommended to complete Database Concepts or Networks and Networks Management before taking Systems Analysis and Design I, followed by Human Side of Information Systems.

You may choose technical electives in any order, as long as you have successfully completed the prerequisites. Please consult with our Program Coordinator about your choices and the prerequisites.

If you fail a core course, you will have to retake it. If you fail an elective, you may either retake that course or take a different elective. An additional course fee is payable in all cases.

Distance education students are assigned an instructor who answers questions by phone, fax, mail, or via the course management system Moodle. The Moodle discussion forum is the preferred method of communication.

The global access to the Moodle discussion forums allows you to have contact with international as well as local colleagues. Such interaction can be academic or social in nature. In addition, students may organize activities with other local students.

The instructor and the discussion forum are the primary means of support in an individual course. Students also have access to the University of Victoria library through the University's Infoline service. In addition, the program area publishes the “networks” newsletter three times a year that is published on our website.

You can mix distance and on-campus courses at your convenience. You may also attend one week intensive on-campus courses. Some distance courses are now also offered in a hybrid form in which the distance students are able to attend live classes via Elluminate Live software.*

Students must have access to a personal computer (PC) capable of running Microsoft Windows 2000 or higher, and Microsoft Office Professional 2002 (includes Microsoft Access) or higher for Windows, or LibreOffice. Suggested hardware minimum is a Pentium or equivalent with at least 512 megabytes of RAM and a CD-ROM drive. In addition, students must have access to the Internet for communication with the course management system Moodle and reading online course material, a personal email account and a web browser version 6 or higher. On-campus students have access to computer labs during scheduled class time but will find having their own personal computer advantageous.

Please fill out an online application form or fax or mail the PDF version to us.

If have successfully completed nine courses* please send in your Application to Graduate. The Universities Ceremonies Office will notify you of the next available Convocation date.