Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw Campus

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.

Business Information Systems (BIS) is a two-year diploma program offered full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw Campus. It includes four academic semesters and a six-month paid co-operative education work term.

The Business Information Systems program starts with 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 languages (Visual Studio.NET, Java, COBOL);
• Computer hardware, networking and operating systems (Windows, Unix and Linux);
• Data gathering, modeling and database management systems (Oracle, SQL Server 2000);
• Retrieval techniques of databases and programming languages (SQL, PLSQL, ADO.NET, JDBC); and
• Target platforms, including Windows application development, networked software development, web application development (XHTML, JavaScript, ASP, Java).

You’ll use cutting edge technology in servers, programming and mobile apps. You’ll have opportunities to develop or enhance actual production applications, and build hands-on skills in systems analysis, design methodologies and project management.

Accounting is about more than numbers; it's about conducting audits, doing business analyses and presenting financial information so managers and investors can make informed decisions. Accounting is often called the language of business. If you want to be one of the people at the table when critical business decisions are made, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business accountancy specialty will appeal to you.

You'll study cost accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, financial accounting and more. You'll apply theory to real-world situations in business simulations, case studies and group projects. You'll use industry standard software in your courses. Optional co-operative education work terms are a great way to gain valuable experience and make industry connections - while earning money.

You can apply to use your diploma for credit in a degree program at the University of Regina's Paul Hill School of Business, University of Saskatchewan's Edward School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. You can also apply to use your diploma credits for standing toward the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. For more information, visit www.cpacanada.ca.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic accountancy specialists are in demand. Many grads have jobs lined up before they graduate. You'll find opportunities in every sector: commercial, industrial, institutional, government and non-profit. You could work for an accounting firm or in the accounting department of a private company or government department.

If you're interested in a career that combines working with money and working with people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business financial services specialty diploma is a great choice. Financial services is more than banking - it's loans, mortgages, investment products, financial planning and advising, money management, insurance, risk management and more. Essentially it's helping people with their financial health from the cradle to the grave. With so many services and an aging workforce, it's also an industry with exceptional potential for career growth and mentorship.

You'll develop specialized knowledge and skills in residential mortgages, bank operations, financial products and services, loans and credit, personal financial planning, tax fundamentals, advanced investment products and more.

Practical exercises and hands-on activities give you a chance to apply what you learn. A unique seminar course on strategic advising in your final semester gives you a chance to integrate theory and practice in a simulated retail banking environment. It's a chance to polish your skills before entering the workforce.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic works with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) to ensure students are meeting actual marketplace needs. As part of your course requirements, you must register with the CSI and purchase specified textbooks that will be used for Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Investment Funds in Canada preparation course. Saskatchewan Polytechnic will guide you through your CSI registration process and textbook purchase.

Graduating with a financial services specialty diploma qualifies you to apply for advanced standing into degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul Hill School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified in Management designation through the Canadian Institute of Management and the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

Graduates are prepared to work in a multitude of positions including management trainees in the financial market (financial institutions). These include chartered banks, investment firms, credit unions, trust companies, and insurance companies.

Human resources offers the best of two career paths; working with people and working in a business environment. On a day-to-day basis, you might be dealing with benefits, payroll, labour relations or recruitment issues. But you'll also be involved in the bigger picture - designing competitive employee packages, supporting a productive work environment and creating a healthy organizational culture. Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business human resources specialty provides the broad-based training you need to work in any sector.

This human resources specialty is available on campus in Moose Jaw or through flexible learning options (online and evening). You'll focus on in-depth training in the application of business management practices to employment situations, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, labour and employee relations, organizational effectiveness and behavior, recruitment and selection, training and development, and workplace wellness.

In addition to lecture material, you'll participate in class assignments, role-playing, demonstrations, and simulations. The emphasis on learning by doing will help you translate theory into real-life skills.

As a human resources student you have the option to spend a year taking three consecutive four-month paid co-operative education work terms. Work terms not only let you develop your skills on the job, they provide an excellent introduction to potential employers.

You can use your Business human resources specialty diploma for credit in degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul Hill School of Business, University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified in Management designation through the Canadian Institute of Management and the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

A Business diploma in human resources gives you a lot of choices. You could work in the HR department of a large multinational company, government agency or health organization. You could be part of a smaller team or even the only specialist in a small business. Where you work impacts what you do. In a smaller organization, you might be a generalist doing a wide variety of HR tasks. In a larger organization, you could be an HR manager, recruiter, labour relations assistant, compensation analyst, training coordinator or benefits administrator.

Insurance is big business in Canada. People, businesses, and organizations rely on insurance professionals to help manage risk and protect against loss. With more than 25 percent of the current workforce* expected to retire in the next few years, now is a great time to start a career in insurance.

Insurance brokers, appraisers, claims investigators and marketing representatives work closely with people and businesses. Insurance adjusters, underwriters, loss control specialists, risk managers, and actuaries work behind the scenes balancing the numbers.

Insurance Institute of Canada

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is one of only nine colleges and universities in Canada to offer a dedicated insurance program, and the only one in Saskatchewan. The specialty is designed with extensive input from Saskatchewan's insurance industry and the Insurance Institute of Canada.

In this second year specialty, you'll take courses in insurance against liability, insurance broker/agent skills, insurance on property, loss adjusting, relationship selling, commercial law, and underwriting.

When you graduate, you'll have written five of the 10 Insurance Institute of Canada exams necessary to earn your Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation. You can also apply to use your diploma for a head start in degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul Hill School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified in Management designation through the Canadian Institute of Management and the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

There are more job openings than insurance specialty grads. You'll find your skills in demand in communities around the province. Work as an insurance broker/agent in a large firm or as an independent broker. Build a career as a claims adjuster, underwriter or appraiser for government or private insurance agencies.