The Associate of Science Degree (Computing and Information Sciences) guides students to a degree with a high concentration of both theoretical and applied computing and information science courses. It provides the basis of knowledge in Computing and Information Science that can lead to employment in this important and growing field. This degree is an important step toward work in cloud computing, software development, computer programming, database, artificial intelligence, and many other IT positions. It will also prepare graduates for further study in the Computing and Information Sciences and provide a foundation for lifelong career success in this field.
For students intending to pursue further studies, the Associate of Science Degree (Computing and Information Sciences) comprises the majority of the credits needed for the first two years (60 credits) of a four-year degree program in Computer Science (120 credits).
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council. (Download a PDF of the current Program Completion Guide).
Career Prospects
The Associate of Science with Computer and Information Sciences specialization provides opportunities for employment in the growing information technology field. Graduates have skills in data analysis, problem solving and critical thinking that fit them for a wide range of careers. Graduates also have a solid foundation of specific knowledge that can lead them to careers in software development, systems administration, network engineering, iOS and android Apps development, cyber-security, as well as more traditional careers in business and management.
However, the degree is primarily designed for transfer to the third year of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fort St John | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Length
60 credits (1050 hours), minimum.
Standard intakes follow the September to April schedule. Students who begin their studies in January or May, may require more than 2 years to complete the program depending on course offerings.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,726.30 | $ 152.76 | $ 158.63 | $4,037.69 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 3,800.83 | $ 155.83 | $ 0.00 | $ 3,956.66 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 12,915.00 | $ 162.42 | $ 51.36 | $ 289.80* | $ 13,418.58 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 13,560.75 | $ 170.54 | $ 51.36 | $ 13,782.65 |
*Per four months
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
- academic-chair@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
*A. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English (see Appendix A) must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met the English Requirements: One of the following with a “C” grade or higher: English 12 or English Literature 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, or ENGL 099. Alternatively, any university-level English course with a “C” grade or higher. Students who do not meet one of the above English requirements must complete the NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement.
B. International students who do not meet the requirement A. above, and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or another language, must show that they have met the NLC English requirement: see Appendix A (General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements) OR must have received a minimum overall band of 6.0 on the IELTS exam, with no band less than 5.5.
plus,
C. Math Requirement: One of the following with a ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher:
– MATH 050 or successful completion of the Calculus Readiness Assessment
– Pre-calculus 12,
– Calculus 12,
D. Science Requirement*: A minimum of one course as follows with a ‘C’ grade or higher:
– Life Sciences 11 or Biology 12 or BIOL 040 or BIOL 050, or equivalent;
– Chemistry 11 or Chemistry 12 or CHEM 040 or CHEM 050,or equivalent;
– Environmental Science 11 or Environmental Science 12, or equivalent;
– Earth Sciences 11 or Geology 12, or equivalent;
– Physics 11 or Physics 12 or PHYS 040 or PHYS 050, or equivalent;
– Specialized Science 12
– Anatomy and Physiology 12
*Note that some Associate of Science Degree course options have specific prerequisites. Meeting the entrance requirements for the Associate of Science Degree does not ensure course prerequisites have been met for all available science courses
Important Notes
- Requirement for program: Laptop computer with Intel Core i9 processor and 32 GB of RAM and a 2 TB hard drive, or equivalent or better. Operating System Requirements: Windows 11 Education or Pro. Note: Windows 11 Home and unlicensed/pirated versions are not compatible with the software used in these programs.
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAidBC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Course transfer agreements allow students to receive course-by-course transfer to other colleges, universities, and institutes in BC, as indicated in the BC Transfer Guide.
- Transfer with an Associate Degree in BC provides preferential treatment to students continuing to complete a baccalaureate degree.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 25% of all coursework must be completed at Northern Lights College. A ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher must be obtained for courses to be considered for transfer credit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 2.00 program Grade Point Average (GPA) |
General Requirements
- 60 credits of first-and second-year courses (normally 20 courses). These must include a minimum of 18 credits (6 courses) in the Sciences at the second-year level, in two or more subject areas.
Specific Requirements
- 6 credits (2 Courses) in 100-level English, including:
ENGL 100 (3 credits)
AND
One University level English course at either First or Second Year level.
Preferred: ENGL 111 (3 credits) OR ENGL 112 (3 credits) - Math and Science requirements:
2 Lab Science courses. For superior transfer credit two of the following are preferred: PHYS 103/PHYS 104(8 credits) BIOL 101/ BIOL 102(8 credits) OR CHEM 103/ CHEM 104(8 credits).
AND
MATH 101 (3 credits)
MATH 102 (3 credits)
MATH 115 (3 credits)
MATH 152 (3 credits) - 18 credits (6 courses) in Computing and Information Sciences courses, including
All of:
CPSC 123 (3 Credits)
ITEC 220 (3 Credits)
NCIT 212 (3 Credits)
Any two of:
ITEC 112 (3 Credits)
ITEC 150 (3 Credits)
ITEC 225 (3 Credits)
ITEC 235 (3 Credits)
ITEC 245 (3 Credits)
ITEC 241 (3 Credits)
ITEC 243 (3 Credits)
ITEC 251 (3 Credits)
Any 1 of:
ITEC 210 (3 Credits)
ITEC 255 (3 Credits)
ITEC 290 (3 Credits) - 12 credits (4 courses) in second year (or higher) Science courses in any discipline, at least one of which must be in a non computing discipline.
- 6 credits (2 courses) in Arts other than English (excluding Mathematics and Lab Science courses)
Note: An individual course may not be used to fulfill more than one of the specific requirements listed above.
Credential
Associate of Science Degree (Computing and Information Science)