Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems Program Guide

Master Your Future Discover how a Master’s Degree in Computing and Information Systems from Athabasca University can bring your career to the next level.

Faculty of Science and Technology Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

Athabasca University’s Master of Science Computing and Information Systems (MSc CIS) program puts you at the forefront of technological evolution. The program is designed to give you the tools and skills that will set you apart in the industry and open even more advanced career opportunities in the ever-growing IT services sector.

Since it’s an online program, you can complete it at your own pace—when and where you want—without leaving the workforce. With courses and educational pathways designed to challenge the everyday approach to technology, information management, and systems development, this program puts you in a position to succeed and power your career to the next level.

How an AU grad found a 2nd career in data analytics

Helping you stay ahead of the tech curve Staying ahead in the world of technology and information management means being ready for change. But it’s more than just being able to adapt—it’s having a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving technological landscape, so you can anticipate the disruptions and implement solutions with confidence amidst the emerging transformations we see almost every day.

Wes Sauder left the automotive industry back in 2007 with more than a decade of experience. He began consulting in quality and process management where a common thread emerged. Many of the projects he worked on were with frontline employees needing more efficiency in their work.

Wes began to look at how automation and data analytics could make this possible.

He realized he needed to incorporate more advanced IT and analytics development, so he enrolled in AU’s Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics program, which can be used for credit toward a graduate degree. He received a scholarship after graduating, and went on to take the MSc CIS program.

Thanks to his experience through the master’s program, Wes was able to secure a new role as a data architect at HydroOne.

Read more about Wes’s journey with Athabasca University.

Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

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Program at a glance

Degree

Duration

Location

Master of Science Computing and Information Systems

2 to 3.5 years

100% Online

Credits

30 or 39

Depending on your academic and professional experience or Take up to 5 years to complete all requirements

Flexible Admission: Requirements can be met with a BSc with a different specialization combined with IT background or experience, a CIPS-ISP designation, or admission by exception for diploma students with good IT experience.

Start Dates

September (apply by March 1)

January (apply by October 1)

Multiple Routes:

Course-based route, projectbased route, thesis-based route

Advanced standing for students with a strong IT background for up to 9 course credits

10 optional focus areas will help you customize your degree

“ My learning journey has been eased significantly with Athabasca University’s virtual environment. The schedule flexibility, the staff responsiveness, and the rich course material has allowed me to stay interested and focused no matter what goes in my life. Being a French Canadian working for an American company, I have been able to travel between the two countries while maintaining my studies and my career simultaneously. It would not have been possible in any other setting!”

– Janie Gilbert Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

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AU’s MSc CIS current learners at a glance Average age of learners:

42 years old

Number of countries alumni are from:

10 Number of current learners:

174 Number of graduates:

437 Number of learners who work while they study:

73% Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

Number of graduates satisfied with the quality of their educational experience:

90% Number of graduates in jobs directly related to the program:

94% 4

Learning outcomes The MSc CIS program will prepare you for a variety of IT work: • rigorously analyze information systems • creatively synthesize up-to-date information systems concepts and technologies to solve real-life problems • design, develop, manage, and maintain IT solutions that reliably and effectively meet business needs • independently learn new concepts, topics, and skills in the field of information systems • plan, execute, and manage IT projects • work effectively in teams • act responsibly and ethically in the field of information systems • conduct original research in the field of information systems • communicate effectively with technical, business, and other stakeholders • apply systematic problem-solving strategies to information systems

Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

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Open the door to even better career opportunities Information systems is an in-demand field. According to The Business Development Bank of Canada, the tech sector is expected to show a growth of 22% from 2021 to 2024—and 52% of Canadian businesses are planning to invest in software, intellectual property (IP) protection, R&D, marketing or employee training over the next 12 months. So is getting a master’s in this area a lucrative choice? Absolutely.

Get credit for your professional experience Think your past education or work experience is equivalent to an undergraduate degree? Get in touch with 1 of our student advisors today to find out if your credentials could contribute towards you earning your MSc CIS degree.

Our MSc CIS will not only make you a great asset for potential employers, but also help you excel at your current job, helping advance your career from entry-level to C-level. Taking this program will open doors to new positions in systems management, project management, IT management, systems design, research, and production. Here are some of the roles you could qualify for with this degree:

• systems architect • cybersecurity specialist • strategic tech consultant • programming leader • data scientist • AI specialist • bioinformatician • and many more

“ My decision to attend AU to obtain a Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems was when I was in transition, it was challenging but also great for my future. Not only could I get my education, but I could be a part of many projects as a Research Assistant.”

– Twylla Soosay Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

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How the program is structured

Laddering into the MSc CIS program

The AU Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems program can

You also have the option to begin your studies with a 12-credit graduate certificate:

take anywhere from 2 to 3.5 years of fulltime study, depending on your academic and employment background. You can take up to 5 years to complete all requirements.

While you can complete most courses online with your classmates on a fixed schedule, some courses are delivered as online individual study courses.

• Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (GCDA) • Graduate Certificate in Information Security (GCIS) • Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Management (GCITM) You can then use those 12 credits toward your MSc CIS degree.

Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

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Find your focus

Information Technology Management

There’s a broad range of career pathways and roles in the information systems industry. This is exactly why we allow students the option to choose a focus area to concentrate their learning in a specific area. Each focus area includes specific courses that allow for depth of learning.

Information Systems Management

Master the fundamentals of integrating technology into daily business operations—in a responsible and meaningful way. Courses in this area focus on teaching you how to make business processes more efficient through technology.

Courses in this area will help you gain valuable insights into gathering and analyzing business data.

Plus, you will learn how to use that data to meet business and customer needs—and improve the overall value chain of an organization.

Data Analytics Learn the art of collecting and assessing data to find meaningful patterns to help businesses make better decisions and drive growth. Courses in this area will equip you with all the skills you need to understand and manage vast amounts of data and draw conclusions.

Information Security The need for information security is more important than ever. Learn how to protect an organization against data breach by studying topics like network security, enterprise-wide computer network management, distributed computing, web technology, and electronic commerce.

Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems Learn how to incorporate intelligence into applications. Courses in this area will help you make computers and data more intelligent to solve complex problems through systems like artificial intelligence and computational intelligence.

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Cloud Computing Courses in this area focus on the essential characteristics and benefits of cloud computing.

So you can gain foundational knowledge and skills on topics such as cloud architecture, security, data integration, machine learning, and more.

Health Informatics Health informatics is 1 of the fastest-growing areas in health care. Courses in this area will teach you how to use information technology and data analytics to improve patient care and minimize medical errors.

Learning Technology Learn how to integrate technology into learning solutions. Courses in this area will give you the knowledge and tools to develop and manage learning technology ecosystems for businesses as well as educational institutions.

Bioinformatics Prepare yourself for a range of career opportunities in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and health care industries. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines computer science, statistics, and biology to analyze biological data. It involves the development and application of computational tools to understand and interpret complex biological systems.

Environmental Data Analytics Gain skills to support sustainable decision making and tackle complex environmental challenges.

This focus area can open career pathways in various sectors, including environmental consulting, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

You can find the complete list of our MSc CIS program courses here.

The program’s core courses cover both technical and managerial topics, including data design, enterprise-wide network infrastructure, human-computer interaction, information systems project management, as well as ethical, legal, and social issues in IT.

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3 capstone pathways to elevate the experience As a student of the Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems program, you will choose between 1 of 3 final capstone projects—essay, project, or thesis—each of which brings together all the learnings from the program and allows you to showcase your knowledge and skills.

The flexibility to choose between 1 of 3 pathways gives you the opportunity to choose the best approach that aligns with your academic goals, personal interests, and professional aspirations. Capstone projects are completed through independent study.

Project

Essay

• 3-credit requirement • Completed in addition to foundations, core, and 3 career track courses • Essays can be general and need to show flexible and efficient integration of various platforms and networks • 6 months to complete your essay plus 2 months for review and required revisions

• Equivalent in effort to 3, 3-credit elective courses.

• Requires completion of the IS foundation and core, a “career track” elective course • Projects are focused on the development of integrated, organizational technologies and architecture that can manage a rapidly changing competitive and technological environment

Master of Science - Computing and Information Systems

Thesis

• 5, 3-credit course requirement • Completed in addition to the foundation, 3 core courses, and 1 elective course • Thesis allows students to represent the full body of your work throughout the program • Student will work with a supervisor to elaborate their thesis topic, along with a brief statement outlining the proposed research method and arrangement for faculty supervision

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About the AU Faculty of Science and Technology

We offer innovative, accessible online learning in architecture, computing, and science. We strive for excellence in research and collaborate with universities, industries, and other organizations nationally and internationally. We also promote awareness in the larger community through outreach, open access initiatives, and community building.

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Interested in applying to our MSc CIS program?

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