Master of Geographic Information Systems

Vancouver Island University

Canada, Nanaimo

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Home/Canada/Nanaimo /Vancouver Island University/Master of Geographic Information Systems

Vancouver Island University

Canada , Nanaimo

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Application Fee

CAD 150

Campuses

Nanaimo

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines5-Jan-2023 31-Mar-2023

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

CAD 41,720 / year

Apply Date 31-Mar-2023

Next Intake 5-Jan-2023

Master of Geographic Information Systems

About

2 Years - Blended Face-to-Face/Online Program

2.5 Years - Fully Online Program

The Master of Geographic Information System Applications (MGISA) Program builds on the existing Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications (ADGISA) Program by providing opportunities for students to strengthen their GIS skills, enabling them to compete more effectively and for better positions in the job market.

The program consists of two stages; each stage has 30 credits. Stage 1 involves the same courses as the current Advanced Diploma, and is available both face-to-face and online; the Stage 2 courses will be delivered online, with face-to-face or online supervision and defence of the research project.

The program combines a strong academic foundation with professional skills by requiring both academic courses (including labs and seminars) and a research project, thus generating an intellectual environment in which students can enhance their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the area of Geographic Information Science.

Program Length

The MGIS program is a minimum of two full years in length. The first 30 credits may be taken face-to-face in one year or online in one-and-a-half years, as in the current Advanced Diploma. Thus, the program may be taken as a two and one-half year fully online program, with a start date of January and a completion date of August, or as a two-full-year blended face-to-face/online program, with a September start date a completion date of August.

Disciplines

Arts

Humanities and Social Sciences

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum “B” average in the final 2 years of a Bachelor’s degree.

Career

The GIS industry grew 10.3% in 2010 and approximately 8% in 2011, showing continued strong growth in this sector. A GISuser survey regarding the GIS workplace also indicated that 42% of respondents hold at least a master's degree, indicating that it may be necessary for new GIS professionals to complete such a degree in order to compete successfully in the job market. By 2015, the GIS industry is poised to become a $10.6 billion industry, according to a 2012 Global Industry Analysts, Inc. report.

GIS is a technology that has been applied to many application areas and thus offers graduates a broad range of employment opportunities. In the Vancouver Island area and throughout British Columbia, GIS expertise is required by many employers, including the following:

Federal Government, such as the Pacific Biological Station here in Nanaimo or Environment Canada in Vancouver;
Provincial Government, such as regional offices of Ministry of Forests or Ministry of Environment here in Nanaimo, or the many ministry offices in Victoria;
Local Government, such as the many Regional Districts and Municipalities found on Vancouver Island;
First Nations, such as the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group or the Tseshaht First Nation;
Large private-sector organizations or utilities, such as Island Timberlands and Western Forest Products; and
Smaller consulting firms, particularly those specializing in engineering, forestry and environmental sciences.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

CAD 41,720

Application Fee

CAD 150

How to Apply

Before You Apply

Explore VIU programs. Check the requirements for your specific program and gather your necessary documents for scanning:

Your official transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency
Certified English translation* of any documents issued in a language other than English
A copy of your passport (photo page)
Copy of High School Graduation Diploma (if available)
Copy of University Degree (If available)

*All documents must be translated by a certified translator or notarized if they are in a language other than English.

Applying

We strongly recommend submitting your application online. The application process for international students is different than for domestic students. The application below is for students who are NOT Canadian Citizen or Permanent Residents.

Scan all documents (in separate files)
Fill in the on-line International Application for Admission form which includes uploading your documents and selecting your method of payment.
Pay the $150 (CAD) non-refundable Application Processing Fee (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are preferred. Cheque, money order, and electronic transfer also accepted).

Once you have submitted your online application you will receive an acknowledgment email with the receipt of payment.

Clarify what is considered official, academic records
Send original or certified translations of all your transcripts to:

International Admissions
Vancouver Island University
900 Fifth Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5
Canada

Note

Your Application will not begin to be processed until the $150 (CAD) Application Fee is received and all scanned required documents are uploaded.
For Master Programs, your Letter of Acceptance will not be issued until the $150 (CAD) Application Fee is paid and all original or certified documents are received.

After You Apply

Once your application fee has been paid and all of your documents have been received, your application will begin to be processed.

It can take from 2-8 weeks to process an application. Having all your documents scanned and attached to the online application decreases wait time. Note: Masters Programs and limited entry programs may take longer.

If you have met the admission requirements and have a competitive application, you will receive a Letter of Offer from international admissions. This letter will contain information on program start dates and instructions for payment of your tuition deposit. The tuition deposit is usually the equivalent of the first semester’s tuition.

In order to secure your place in a program, you must pay the deposit fee by the deadline date indicated in Letter of Offer. Once the deposit is paid an official “Letter of Acceptance” will be emailed to you. You will need this letter to apply for a study permit at a Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission.

Note

In some programs, due to space or enrolment limitations, admission does not guarantee that space will be available.
The first payment due date for new students is usually due 4 weeks after the date of offer.
VIU reserves the right to cancel any scheduled program or course if there is insufficient enrolment. In such cases, every reasonable effort will be made to notify you as early as possible.

Apply by Paper

VIU also accepts paper applications by mail. However, please note that paper applications will take longer to process.

Complete the printable International Application for Admission form.
Attached the non-refundable application fee of $150 is required.
Attach certified copies of all educational documents in the original language, and certified copies translated into English, if applicable.
Send or arrange to have an original copy of your TOEFL or IELTS results sent to Vancouver Island University, if required.
Printed applications and all supporting documents should be sent to:

International Admissions
Vancouver Island University
900 Fifth Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5
Canada