Business Information Systems

Information technology, business software, mobile platforms—information systems are reinventing the way we do business. Computer-savvy people with programming and development skills are in demand in the business world. When your skill set includes training in business solution development, you’re a hot commodity.

The Business Information Systems program provides both business and information technology. Graduates of this program understand how to leverage technology to enable business strategy.

Business Information Systems is a two-year diploma program offered full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw, and Regina campuses.

The Business Information Systems program provides 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 using a variety of languages and frameworks.
  • Business in intelligence and machine learning platforms.
  • Information technology infrastructure, including networking principles and cloud computing.
  • Database management systems and enterprise data architecture.
  • Traditional and agile project management, systems analysis and requirements management, and technical writing, diagrams, and presentations.
  • Business skills, including business mathematics, business communications, change management, workplace professionalism, and career development.

If enrolled in the Co-operative Education concentration of the Business Information Systems program, you can develop on-the-job skills, introduce yourself to different employers, and test-drive different types of jobs over the year in paid Co-operative Education work terms.

This training in business and technology provides graduates with in-demand training that will make them an asset to organizations operating in today’s tech-driven economy.

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

Sample job title NOC classification
Artificial intelligence (AI) designer Data scientist (21211)
Business analyst, computer systems Business systems specialists (21221)
Database administrator (DBA) Database analysts and data administrators (21223)
Software developer Software developers & programmers (21232)
Web developer Web developers & programmers (21234)

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

First Qualified/First Admitted

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

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

2023-24 academic year

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

International students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

The program follows this academic and co-operative education schedule. Courses are outlined below by semester.

  Sept - Dec Jan - Apr May - Aug
Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2  
Year 2 Semester 3 Work term 1 Work term 2
Year 3 Work term 3 Semester 4  

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.

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
Institution Agreement details
Athabasca University Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units towards the Bachelor of Management, Bachelor of Commerce, or Bachelor of Human Resources & Labour Relations Post Diploma programs.

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

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS)

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business Information Systems program has been accredited by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) since 1992. Accreditation lets you pursue the Information Systems Profession of Canada (ISP) designation.

Computer Engineering Technology

Computer Networking Technician

Computer Systems Technology

Technology Management

Additional information

Follow @saskpolytechbis on Facebook and Twitter.

Personal Readiness