Program Length
- 8 Months
Credential
- Advanced Diploma
Strengthen your employment opportunities in the expanding field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications with VIU’s Advanced GIS diploma program. Almost every field of study has a spatial component and GIS specialists have a range of career opportunities in areas such as forestry, resource management, urban and rural planning, government, banking, transportation and many more.
VIU’s GIS Diploma program prepares students to capture, map and analyze geographic data using ArcGIS by ESRI GIS software.Students can choose between an 8-month in class program which also includes a work-study practicum and a 16-month online program.
The Advanced Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Applications Program
Vancouver Island University has cancelled the Advanced Diploma in Geographic Information Systems Applications program effective March 28, 2024. The University will not offer any new intakes for this program. Students seeking to return from a leave should contact the Faculty of Social Sciences at SocSci_Admin@viu.ca. For more information about VIU’s graduate program offerings please see Graduate programs
- 8-Month Diploma Program – In Class
- 16-Month Diploma Program – Online
The Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications provides skills training in geographic information systems (GIS) to university and college graduates who wish to strengthen their employment opportunities in GIS applications – an area that is in high demand around the world.
During this intensive program delivered over two terms, students will learn to use GIS as a spatial informational and problem-solving tool. Content is equally divided between developing hands-on competency in GIS technology and using GIS as a tool in resolving geographic problems through assignments and project work. Students in the program will be well positioned to secure employment upon graduation.
ESRI’s ArcGIS is the main software package used in the delivery of this program. Published materials and instructional courseware packages will provide support for each course. A select number of course modules, available through ESRI’s Virtual Campus, will be incorporated into the delivery of specific courses. Use of these modules enables students and instructors to keep pace with changes in the world’s most popular GIS package – ArcGIS.
All in-class students are required to complete a nine-week GIS project in the second term of the program. The project is intended to provide students with an opportunity to apply GIS knowledge and skills learned in the first term. Each student will be required to select a potential sponsor and develop a project proposal in consultation with the sponsor.
Program Outline - In Class
| Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications – In Class | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 501 - (Foundations of Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 511 - (Geodatabases) | 3 |
| GEOG 521 - (General Spatial Analysis) | 3 |
| GEOG 523 - (Advanced Applied Spatial Analysis) | 3 |
| GEOG 531 - (Visual Programming for GIS) | 3 |
| GEOG 581 - (Management Issues in GIS) | 3 |
| GEOG 591 - (GIS Applications Project: Practicum) | 9 |
| GEOG 593 - (Internet GIS) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Program Outline - Online
| Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications – Online | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 501 - (Foundations of Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 511 - (Geodatabases) | 3 |
| GEOG 521 - (General Spatial Analysis) | 3 |
| GEOG 523 - (Advanced Applied Spatial Analysis) | 3 |
| GEOG 524 - (Remote Sensing & Digital Image Processing) | 3 |
| GEOG 525 - (Global Positioning Systems and Survey Analysis) | 3 |
| GEOG 530 - (Programming Foundations) | 3 |
| GEOG 531 - (Visual Programming for GIS) | 3 |
| GEOG 581 - (Management Issues in GIS) | 3 |
| GEOG 593 - (Internet GIS) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Completion Requirements
Students must obtain a passing grade for all courses in the program.
Student assessments will be based on a combination of quizzes, exams, lab assignments, and projects. Although students will be required to complete a set of modules available on ESRI’s Virtual Campus, no marks will be allocated for this work. Each student will be required to complete a GIS applications project under the supervision of a faculty member or a GIS professional in the work place.
- University degree or technical diploma from an accredited college or institute.
- Applicants must provide evidence of having completed VIU GEOG 328, or equivalent, preferably within the last three years.
- Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Academic Programs.
Recommendations for Admission
- Academic or applied experience in remote sensing and databases would be advantageous.
Notes on Admission
Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Required Equipment and Supplies
Students will be required to have their own laptop computer capable of running ArcGIS 10.0 and storing large geo-referenced databases. Under an agreement with ESRI Canada, Vancouver Island University’s IT department will make the software available to students and will have the software available on an appropriate server. Students, however, will be responsible for maintaining their own laptop computers.
With its focus on GIS applications, the program will graduate students who are well qualified to assume employment as GIS applications professionals in any of the following fields:
- Business – marketing, real estate, property development.
- Education – primary, middle, secondary, colleges, universities, research institutes, libraries.
- Engineering – surveying, civil.
- Government – urban and regional planning, public administration, health, education, heritage.
- Media – news papers, magazines, television, internet.
- Natural resource management/environmental management – air, land, and water including forestry, agriculture, fisheries, mining.
- Research – physical and biological, social sciences, humanities.
- Security – public safety, law enforcement, immigration, national security, defense.
- Transportation – planning, systems management.
- Utilities – oil and gas pipelines, electrical transmission, telephony.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| In-Class Program Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $361.63 per credit) | 10,848.90 |
| Student Activity fee (30 credits x $9.98 per credit) | 299.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Approximate cost for books | 200.00 |
| Total | 11,834.10 |
| Online Program Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $361.63 per credit) | 10,848.90 |
| Student Activity fee (30 credits x $9.98 per credit) | 299.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (16 months x $27.60 per month) | 441.60 |
| Approximate cost for books | 200.00 |
| Total | 11,789.90 |
For information regarding computer hardware, textbooks, and required supplies check the ADGISA FAQ's page.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Program Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 19,278.00 |
| Ancillary Fee (30 credits x $26.47 per credit) | 794.10 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Total | 20,557.90 |
For information regarding computer hardware, textbooks, and required supplies check the ADGISA FAQ's page.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
For more information please contact Dave Cake at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6153 or 250.740.6153 for local callers.
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.