Be ready to program your future
Through a mix of classroom theory, hands-on projects and 200 hours of workplace experience, you’ll quickly gain experience in hardware and software development, networking, web development, e-commerce and information systems management. Balance your technical skills with courses in business and communication to better understand how to best serve the companies that will rely on your talents.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Computer Information Technology at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
This two-year Canadian Information Processing Society-accredited program will prepare you for a satisfying career in information technology. In addition to technical expertise, you’ll build problem-solving, collaboration and project management skills that are essential in any tech role. You’ll develop real-world solutions for real businesses during a 200-hour practicum in your second year so you can apply your classroom skills to developing software solutions for clients. With a strong foundation combined with practical experience, you’ll be ready to adapt to emerging technologies and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
200 hours
spent in a practicum placement at a workplace of your choosing
1 national accreditation
from the Canadian Information Processing Society, Canada's association of IT professionals
Real-world solutions
students partner with real-world businesses for the duration of the second year to apply their skills in developing software solutions for clients
Career Opportunities
- Business and systems analyst
- Computer service technician
- Database designer/developer
- GIS Developer
- Information systems project manager
- IT support specialist
- Mobile app developer
- Network analyst/technician
- Programmer analyst
- Software developer
- Software testing specialist
- Web developer and administrator
78%
of our CIT grads had a related job less than one year after graduating
$65,450
the average annual salary of a computer service technician in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants are accepted into the Computer Information Technology program for the Fall (September) term.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 12 Math (equivalent to Alberta’s Math 30-2 or a higher level Math)
Note: Due to workload in this program, students are encouraged to evaluate their external commitments or consult with an advisor about alternate program sequencing. Students who plan to continue their studies through various university programs may be required to take specific electives. Please see information under 'Transfers' for specifics.
Industry Suitability
Prospective students should be aware of the following job-related physical demands: standing or sitting for long periods of time, intense visual concentration, and some lifting and carrying.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Computer Information Technology diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - General | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - GeneralGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - General. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied MathematicsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Applied Mathematics. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological SciencesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Systems | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information SystemsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Systems. Students may receive additional credits on a course-by-course basis, provided courses in the diploma fulfill requirements of Athabasca University's Post-Diploma degree programs. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of CommerceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour RelationsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Technology | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of TechnologyGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma, who have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and meet all other competitive admission and selection requirements, are eligible for admission into NAIT's Bachelor of Technology. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer Science | Outgoing |
February 2021 - February 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer ScienceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Computer Information Technology Diploma, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, are eligible for admission into the University of Lethbridge's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science - Computer Science. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information. |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CIT-1152 | Computer Hardware Maintenance | 3 |
| CIT-1154 | Computer Programming I | 3 |
| CIT-1157 | HTML and Web Publishing | 3 |
| ENG-1159 | Writing for the Workplace | 3 |
| MTH-1152 | Mathematics for CIT | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| BUS-1170 | Introduction to Management | 3 |
| CIT-1156 | Computer Programming II | 3 |
| CIT-1158 | Computer Networking I | 3 |
| CIT-1163 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CIT-2268 | User-Centred Interface Design | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| ACC-1170 | Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| CIT-2255 | Computer Networking II | 3 |
| CIT-2265 | Web Programming | 3 |
| CIT-2270 | IT Integration Seminar | 1.5 |
| CIT-2275 | Systems Analysis and Design I | 3 |
| Approved Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16.5 | |
| Term II | ||
| CIT-2259 | Computer Networking III | 3 |
| CIT-2262 | Operating Systems Theory | 1.5 |
| CIT-2263 | Introduction to Linux | 1.5 |
| CIT-2271 | IT Field Work | 3 |
| CIT-2276 | Systems Analysis and Design II | 3 |
| MKT-1188 | Introduction to Marketing | 3 |
| Approved Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 64.5 | |
1 One elective must be CIT-2260 Algorithms and Problem Solving (3 credits) or CIT-2269 Mobile App Development (3 credits)
Year 2 Approved Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC-1175 | Financial Accounting II | 3 |
| ACC-2250 | Management Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC-2271 | Intermediate Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC-2278 | Computerized Accounting for Management | 3 |
| ANT-1195 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ARK-1165 | Introduction Into Archaeology | 3 |
| BUS-1166 | Business Law | 3 |
| BUS-1177 | Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| BUS-2268 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| BUS-2275 | International Business | 3 |
| BUS-2278 | Industrial and Labour Relations | 3 |
| CIT-2260 | Algorithms and Problem Solving | 3 |
| CIT-2269 | Mobile App Development | 3 |
| CMM-1185 | The Principles of Animation | 3 |
| COM-1159 | Applied Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| CPU-1165 | Business Applications II | 3 |
| DES-1155 | Graphic Design | 3 |
| ECN-1180 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECN-2253 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| EXS-1178 | Resistance Training | 3 |
| HUM-1150 | Logic | 3 |
| HUM-1155 | Ethics | 3 |
| HUM-1180 | Introduction to World Religions | 3 |
| HUM-1190 | Popular Culture | 3 |
| PRS-1155 | Speech | 3 |
| STS-2250 | Statistics | 3 |
| VXR-1160 | Art and Design for Extended Reality | 3 |
| VXR-1180 | Spatial Media Production | 3 |
Practicum Experience Requirements
There is a required practicum component to this program. The Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the practicum experience.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$4,632.00
|
$1,388.00
|
$2,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,442.00
|
$1,552.00
|
$1,800.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$15,882.00
|
$1,388.00
|
$2,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$19,786.00
|
$1,552.00
|
$1,800.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Computer Information Technology program is available through the following delivery methods.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships- visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Emmerson Reyes
“Lethbridge College offers a great learning environment to its students that enables them to engage, socialize, advance and excel. Being a student here definitely opened doors of different opportunities for me.”
Greg Kruyssen
"This challenging program provided me with a solid foundation to launch my career and to capitalize on additional learning and growth opportunities. Without the broad exploration done in this program, my options would have been much more limited, and I wouldn’t have had the base knowledge to accept a new opportunity with long-term potential.”
Anthony Lamai
"I am taking a diploma at Lethbridge College with a plan to pursue a career in database administration. Thanks to student awards, I am one step closer to that goal. By awarding me the Lethbridge College Continuing Student Award, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school – learning. This generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goals just as you have helped me."