Frequently Asked Questions for the Business Intelligence System Infrastructure (BISI) Program

What is Business Intelligence (BI) and what aspects of BI will this program address?

Business Intelligence (BI) is a rapidly growing field to support organizations in their search for accurate and timely information to assist in decision-making. Rather than exploring BI from a marketing perspective, this program is geared to the technical underpinnings required to allow an organization to use BI tools to provide information for decision-making.

What are the start and end dates for the program?

The program starts each September and ends in April. There is an optional 4-month Co-op work term from May to August.

Is it possible to attend part-time?

No. This is a full-time program.

What type of applicant will likely have success with this program?

Applicants to the BISI program should have a science, IT, or technical business background with either an Advanced Diploma or Degree credential. For applicants with extensive career experience, but without a credential, the program coordinator should be consulted to determine if the success factors will be met.

Applicants should be ready for a challenge and interested in focusing on the technical aspects of BI.

How many hours of class are required per week?

The program has about 23 hours per week in the first semester and 22 hours per week in the second semester. About the same amount of time is expected for study outside of class. Classes could begin at 8 a.m. and usually end by 6 p.m.

Will Algonquin College help students secure a Co-op placement?

Yes. There is a Co-op department dedicated to that purpose.

How many students will be in each class?

There are approximately 30 students in each class.

What is the class format?

The program will be delivered using lectures and labs. Approximately 40% of the program is online (56% in the first semester and 20% in the second semester). Some courses will be hybrid, some fully online, and some fully on-campus.

Will help be provided for a job search after graduation?

Yes. The Algonquin College Employment Services department is dedicated to that purpose (free).

What credentials will I receive when I graduate?

The credential that a successful BISI student receives is a Graduate Certificate credential upon graduation. To learn more about what a Graduate Certificate credential means, please visit the Registrar’s Office Graduate Certificate page.

What kind of employment does this program prepare you for?

Graduates may find a variety of employment opportunities as BI specialists in IT technical support and customer service support. Training in database design and administration may also present job opportunities in those areas. Employment may be found in organizations of all sizes in both the public and private sectors. Depending on the previous education and experience of the students, graduates may be positioned to move into managerial positions.

What are the tuition fees, additional fees and expenses?

Tuition and related ancillary fees can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator

Are there any extra certifications associated with this program?

Students will not be taking certification tests as part of the program. However, several courses in this program assist in the preparation for industry standards Oracle and Cognos examinations.

Are computers, software and labs up to date?

Yes. Students will be providing their own laptops, meeting program up to date requirements, described on the program website. Access lab computers are renewed every 3-4 years.

Is it necessary to purchase additional software for the program?

Do not purchase software before classes start. The College has agreements with various software vendors (examples: IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, VMWare, Adobe) and will provide most, if not all, software without additional charges.

How can a program contact person be reached?

The Program Coordinator can be reached at coordbi@algonquincollege.com