SHARE
PRINT VERSIONFrequently Asked Questions
What programs are offered?
What is the difference between CIS and CS?
What if I start one program, then decide I want to switch to the other?
How heavy is the workload?
What type of work will be done in the required BCIS Work Experience?
What should I already know about computers?
How long will it take to complete my degree?
If I have studied at another University, will I need to take all 40 courses in the degree?
Can I finish the program in less than four years?
Can I take the program on a part-time basis?
What type of computers am I going to use?
Do I have to purchase a laptop or does MRU offer computers?
What programming languages will I learn?
Are there classes during the summer break and winter break?
What programs are offered?
MRU offers a 4-year Bachelor of Computer Information Systems (BCIS) and the first 2 years of the University of Calgary’s 4-year Bachelor of Science (Computer Science).
What is the difference between CIS and CS?
The CIS degree is similar to an IT (Information Technology) program, with a focus on creating, integrating and administering computer technologies in organizations. Students develop technical expertise but also learn business fundamentals. Most graduates will go into the workforce. Since CIS is a relatively new discipline, there are few graduate programs available in the field itself. Those who wish to pursue further studies might want to consider other degree programs such as MBA programs.
The Computer Science university transfer program (CS-UT) is focussed on understanding the theory of computer science: how computers work, the mathematical basis of why computers work and the process of computer programming. Graduates can go directly into the workforce, or continue on to graduate studies. CS is a mature discipline and graduate studies programs are available at many Canadian universities.
What if I start one program, then decide I want to switch to the other?
Because the focuses of the two programs differ, the courses in each are not equivalent.
Transferring from CS-UT to BCIS is not too difficult if you decide to switch after your first year. In this case, probably the majority of your courses would transfer, and you could be accepted into second year. To transfer after first year would be more problematic.
Transferring from BCIS to CS-UT is more complicated because a student hoping to complete a CS degree has to transfer to another university (normally the U. of C.) for the latter part of the program. There are very few automatic transfer arrangements in place for courses in the BCIS. Depending on your course selection, a few courses may transfer, but you would likely need close to four additional years to complete the degree.
How heavy is the workload?
It is significant. You should expect to work 10 to 15 hours per week outside of class in COMP courses (and in other courses, roughly twice as many hours as there are scheduled class hours).
What type of work will be done in the required BCIS Work Experience?
There are many types of jobs available, including user support, programming, and network support, to name a few. Career Services helps to line up jobs, but if you find a job on your own and it provides a learning opportunity, it can be approved. Thus, your work term might involve essentially any area of IT.
What should I already know about computers?
No prior computer knowledge is assumed in either program although it is very advantageous if you "know your way around" a computer (that is, how to do things like create a folder, work with a file using an editing program, navigate in the file system to locate a file you want to work on, etc.).
A good way to determine if this is the right field for you is to take a programming class.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
If you take 5 courses each semester, it can be done in 4 years. However, if you have a part-time job and/or other commitments of your time, it may be better to take 4 courses a semester (so the degree will then take 5 years). Most students take more than 4 years to complete a degree.
If I have studied at another University, will I need to take all 40 courses in the degree?
You would get some credit for courses you took previously, possibly as General Education but more probably as electives. Once you have applied and provided an official transcript of your previous education, it will be evaluated. You can then see how much advance credit you will get.
Can I finish the program in less than four years?
It is extremely unlikely that a student could finish a 4-year degree in less time. Even if you have advance credit for some courses (so you need to take less than 40), the prerequisite structure of the required CS and CIS courses would make it very difficult to fast track. Most if not all of the Comp courses are offered only in the major semesters (Fall and Winter), and possibly only once each year.
Can I take the program on a part-time basis?
Yes, although degrees usually have a time limit for completion (for example, up to 8 years, possibly with extensions permitted). Currently core Comp courses are offered during the daytime only.
What type of computers am I going to use?
The Mount Royal labs are equipped with Intel-based PCs. Much of your work can also be done on your own personal computer using software available to students at little or no charge.
Do I have to purchase a laptop or does MRU offer computers?
You do not have to purchase a laptop. All students may use the computers in MRU’s Student Computing Centres. In addition, CSIS students have access to labs specifically assigned for their COMP courses.
What programming languages will I learn?
You will use a variety of programming languages and tools in your courses.
In CIS, the first programming course uses Alice, a visual programming tool. That is followed by courses which use Java, SQL (for databases), HTML and Javascript (for web). Upper year courses change the languages used as the technology evolves, but you might encounter C#, Objective C, Shell scripting, Php and others.
In CS, the two first-year courses use C++. In second year, you will learn Java and assembly language. In addition, COMP 3349 provides an overview of programming language categories including functional (Haskell) and logical (Prolog).
Once you know one or two languages, others can easily be learned. We focus on fundamental, transferable skills that you can apply to whatever language you find yourself using in your career.
Are there classes during the summer break and winter break?
Fall semester classes run from September through December. Winter semester classes run from January through April. Although Mount Royal does run a Spring semester in May-June, no core COMP courses for either the BCIS or the CS-UT are offered at that time. BCIS students may be on work terms during the May to August timeframe.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E 6K6
403.440.6111
