Business Information Systems

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Business Information Systems (BIS) is a two-year diploma program offered full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw Campus. It includes four academic semesters and a six-month paid co-operative education work term.

The Business Information Systems program starts with a solid foundation in business basics with a focus on information technology functions and learning how to use them to develop meaningful business solutions. This includes training in:

• Software development languages (Visual Studio.NET, Java, COBOL);
• Computer hardware, networking and operating systems (Windows, Unix and Linux);
• Data gathering, modeling and database management systems (Oracle, SQL Server 2000);
• Retrieval techniques of databases and programming languages (SQL, PLSQL, ADO.NET, JDBC); and
• Target platforms, including Windows application development, networked software development, web application development (XHTML, JavaScript, ASP, Java).

You’ll use cutting edge technology in servers, programming and mobile apps. You’ll have opportunities to develop or enhance actual production applications, and build hands-on skills in systems analysis, design methodologies and project management.

Career and salary information

Your career

You’re job-ready at graduation. You could work as a software developer, systems analyst, programmer analyst, web/mobile app developer or help desk support. As you gain experience, explore opportunities in IT management or build specialized skills in database administration, advanced web development, project and network management. You could also build a name for yourself as a private consultant or independent contractor.

Potential careers

Admissions

Admission requirements

• Grade 12 with any 30-level mathematics course or with ICTC FIT (Information and Communication Technology Council Focus on IT) certificate
• English Language Requirement

Alternative admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

• 250 Arithmetic
• 254 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
• 247 Reading
• 243 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission method

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and fees

2023-24 academic year

Year 1 - $9,980
Year 2 - $6,920

International students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Get credit for what you know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

• Candidate Guide
• Candidate Guide (Department of Arts and Sciences courses)
  • communications, mathematics, sciences, social sciences
• More about PLAR

Transfer credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:

• advanced standing at most Canadian universities and colleges toward courses leading to various degrees, management certificates and/or professional accounting designations
• admission to the Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science Program in Computer Science, University of Regina
• direct entry to the Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management program, University of Lethbridge
• direct entry to the Bachelor of Commerce Degree Completion program, University Canada West

Student awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Related programs

Computer Engineering Technology

Computer Networking Technician

Computer Systems Technology

Technology Management

Additional information

Follow @saskpolytechbis on Facebook and Twitter.

Personal Readiness