Build skills to manage Information Systems
Information Systems Major
This major concentrates on the advanced techniques, current methodologies and tools involved in the analysis, design and implementation of large, scalable computer information systems. Information systems technology skills are in demand! Graduates of this major will fill career opportunities as senior systems analysts and designers, and project leaders.
In this major you will learn:
- systems planning
- applying development methodologies and modelling using CASE, database, client and network tools
- rapid application design and development
- designing, building, and testing software, web-based solutions, data warehouses, and databases
- basic ERP system customizations and report creation
- working with object-oriented design techniques
On average, you can expect to spend:
- 27 hours per week attending classes over the 2 academic semesters
- 40-60 hours per week studying, completing assignments and doing research
- 40 hours per week working at the employer's place of business during work experience semesters
Practicum/co-op/work experience
Students must complete one academic year (two 4-month semesters) of mandatory work experience in their related major. Students must have successfully completed 8 academic courses prior to registering for their first work experience term.
Contact the BAIST internship co-ordinator to have the planned work experience evaluated: BAISTinternship@nait.ca.
- Length: two 4-month semesters (8 months total)
- Type of Experience: directly related to the major area selected.
- Salary: will vary by employer, usually based on your prior education and experience. Average earnings in 2014 were approximately $30.00 per hour.
- Relocation: Students can complete their work experience anywhere.
A representative of the BAIST program will visit your work site and supervisor at some point in the middle of each work term.
To complete each 4-month term of work experience, a student must complete each of the following:
- the employer student evaluation pamphlet provided by this program
- a 20- to 25-page research project report
- a student journal report providing feedback on projects worked on and a review of the learning experience
How to get into the BAIST Program
The Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology (BAIST) program is a 4-year degree based on a 2+2 model.
- Years 1 & 2 - Spent obtaining a diploma in a field related to your major concentration of study. See How to Apply for accepted equivalent diplomas.
- Years 3 & 4 - 2 semesters of academic courses in a major area of study and 2 semesters of credit work experience, which rounds out your applied degree.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
In order to have the best opportunity for success, the BAIST - Information Systems program recommends that students have the following skillsets prior to applying and selecting their major:
- Programming - introductory to advanced training in Object Oriented languages (C, C++, C#, JAVA) and frameworks such as .NET
- Data Theory - database concepts, tools, management, SQL
- System Analysis and Design
- Business Processes - communication, organization and information flow, introductory accounting, project management
- Logical Problem Solving
- Operating System and Data Communications Systems - Windows, TCP/IP
Advanced credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced Credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses), Credential Recognition (for completed certificates, diplomas or degrees) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit & Credential Recognition: In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Recognition of Prior Learning website and on the Request for Transfer Credit or Credential Recognition form (pdf), your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of A- in the course(s) or program
Contact the program for additional information about Advanced Credit.
If you do not qualify for transfer credit or credential recognition, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) may be an option.
How to get into the BAIST Program
The Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology (BAIST) program is a 4-year degree based on a 2+2 model.
- Years 1 & 2 - Spent obtaining a diploma in a field related to your major concentration of study. See How to Apply for accepted equivalent diplomas.
- Years 3 & 4 - 2 semesters of academic courses in a major area of study and 2 semesters of credit work experience, which rounds out your applied degree.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
In order to have the best opportunity for success, the BAIST - Information Systems program recommends that students have the following skillsets prior to applying and selecting their major:
- Programming - introductory to advanced training in Object Oriented languages (C, C++, C#, JAVA) and frameworks such as .NET
- Data Theory - database concepts, tools, management, SQL
- System Analysis and Design
- Business Processes - communication, organization and information flow, introductory accounting, project management
- Logical Problem Solving
- Operating System and Data Communications Systems - Windows, TCP/IP
Advanced credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced Credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses), Credential Recognition (for completed certificates, diplomas or degrees) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit & Credential Recognition: In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Recognition of Prior Learning website and on the Request for Transfer Credit or Credential Recognition form (pdf), your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of A- in the course(s) or program
Contact the program for additional information about Advanced Credit.
If you do not qualify for transfer credit or credential recognition, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) may be an option.
Career Outcomes
Hear from a BAIST grad
"I wanted to further my career options and build on my diploma from BCIT. NAIT offered a seamless transition to a degree, helping me reinforce the concepts I’ve learned previously and apply them in more relevant and meaningful ways!"
- Noah Larmor (Bachelof of Applied Information Systems Technology '22)
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of A- in the course(s) or program
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility: Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Grad Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement effective November 1, 2024. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.