Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 2 Years

Program credential icon Credential

  • Master Degree

Program location icon Location Offered

  • Nanaimo

Take your love of mapping things out, analyzing data and using spatial science to predict change to the next level with a Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications at VIU.

GIS master’s program graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as forestry, resource management, urban and rural planning, government, banking, transportation and many more.

The MGISA program is available to students with any undergraduate degree who have experience or training with GIS. This online Master of Geographical Information System covers both academic and practical application of spatial analysis, learning in classrooms and working hands-on with ArcGIS by ESRI GIS software.


The Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications (GIS) Program

  • 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.

Program Outline - Blended Option

Stage 1

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
Credits30
Stage 2

Credits

GEOG 582 - (GIS Infrastructure)3
GEOG 583 - (Advanced Techniques in GIS)3
GEOG 598 - (Research Project Development)6
GEOG 599 - (Master's Research Project)18
Credits30

Program Outline - Fully Online

Stage 1

Credits

GEOG 501 - (Foundations of Geographic Information Systems)3
GEOG 511 - (Geodatabases)3
GEOG 524 - (Remote Sensing & Digital Image Processing)3
GEOG 521 - (General Spatial Analysis)3
GEOG 523 - (Advanced Applied Spatial Analysis)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
Credits30
 
Stage 2

Credits

GEOG 582 - (GIS Infrastructure)3
GEOG 583 - (Advanced Techniques in GIS)3
GEOG 598 - (Research Project Development)6
GEOG 599 - (Master's Research Project)18
Credits30

Completion Requirements

The Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications credential is granted to students who complete all the courses in the program.

Admission to the program is possible at either Stage 1 or Stage 2.

Stage 1 Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
  • 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 Graduate Programs.
  • Significant previous experience or training in GIS including completion of an introductory GIS course from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • A letter of intent that includes:
    • a summary of academic and professional experience; and
    • a statement of career goals; and
    • a description of the research topic which the applicant wishes to pursue.
  • Two letters of reference.
  • Participation (if requested) in an interview conducted by the Admissions Committee.

Stage 2 Admission Requirements

Completion of Stage 1 does not guarantee acceptance into Stage 2.  For all students, acceptance into Stage 2 will be based on:

  • Meeting the program’s Stage 1 admission requirements.
  • Completion of Stage 1, VIU’s Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications (ADGISA), or an equivalent post-graduate GIS diploma program with a minimum grade of “B” in all GIS diploma courses.
  • Satisfactory assessment of the intended research topic, to ensure its complexity is appropriate for a Master's level of study and that the scope of work is achievable within the duration of the program.

Recommendations for Admission

Incoming MGISA students must have a strong technical background in GIS to ensure they are capable of handling the advanced techniques and topics studied in the program coursework and required of the research project.

Notes on Admission

Admission into the program is competitive.  Enrolment is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.  Students entering the program who have completed the VIU Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications (ADGISA) or an equivalent post-graduate GIS diploma will be eligible to apply directly to Stage 2 of the MGISA program.  Students who are unsuccessful in securing acceptance to the MGISA program may be offered admission to the ADGISA program.
Students admitted to the MGISA program may be able to complete the program on a part-time basis.  Students interested in studying part-time are advised to contact the department to discuss possible part-time options.

Transfer from other Institutions

An assessment of courses from other institutions will be required to determine transferability of credits. This will be performed by an Admissions Committee in consultation with the Registrar’s Office.

Program Regulations

To proceed into Stage 2 of the MGISA program, students will be interviewed by an Admissions Committee after completion or partial completion of Stage 1. Students will be enrolled in Stage 2 based on the results of these interviews. Acceptance into Stage 2 will be based on student performance in Stage 1 courses and an assessment of the intended research topic. To be eligible students must have a minimum grade of "B" in all GIS diploma courses. Completion of Stage 1 courses, which earns students the Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications, does not guarantee acceptance into Stage 2.

For the GEOG 599 Master's Research Project course, students may elect to continue beyond the 32-week minimum subject to a continuation fee (amount TBD). This fee must be paid until the completion and acceptance of the student's Master's Research Project, whether or not the student is actively working on the project. Temporary (one-semester) exemptions may be granted in cases of family or personal emergency.

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.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

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.

Fees - Year 1 (Stage 1) Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $354.54 per credit) 10,636.20
Student Activity fee (30 credits x $9.79 per credit) 293.70
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $26.59 per month) 319.08
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) 265.00
Textbooks (approximate costs) 300.00
Personal computer and GPS receiver (approximate costs) 2,000.00
Fees - Year 2/2.5 (Stage 2) Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $476.7 per credit) 14,301.00
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $26.59 per month) 319.08
Student Activity fee (30 credits x $9.79 per credit) 293.70
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) 265.00
Notes

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.

Cost per program Amount
Tuition (60 credits x $642.60 per credit) 38,556.00
Ancillary Fee (60 credits x $26.47 per credit) 1,588.20
VIU Students' Union fee (24 months x $26.59 per month) 638.16
Health and Dental Plan fee (2 years x $265.00 per year) 530.00
Textbooks (approximate costs) 300.00
Personal computer and GPS receiver (approximate costs) 2,000.00
Notes

 

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.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus Options
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$114.83
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Darlene Norby
Phone: 250.740.6400 ext. 2594
Email: Darlene.Norby@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Paul Zandbergen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2727
Email: Paul.Zandbergen@viu.ca
Comments:

For more information please contact Dave Cake. Dave.Cake@viu.ca 250-753-3245 ext. 6153. Applications will be accepted and reviewed after closing date if space is available. 

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$114.83
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Darlene Norby
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2594
Email: Darlene.Norby@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Paul Zandbergen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2727
Email: Paul.Zandbergen@viu.ca
Comments:

For more information please contact Dave Cake. Dave.Cake@viu.ca 250-753-3245 ext. 6153 

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$114.83
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Darlene Norby
Phone: 250.740.6400 ext. 2594
Email: Darlene.Norby@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Paul Zandbergen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2727
Email: Paul.Zandbergen@viu.ca
Comments:

Late applications will be accepted if there is available space. For more information please contact Dave.Cake@viu.ca 250-753-3245 ext. 6153 

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus Options
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

Fall 2024.

Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Paul Zandbergen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2727
Email: Paul.Zandbergen@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jamie Mollins
Email: Masters@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

February 15, 2024.

Comments:

For Students wishing to apply to join as a second year MGISA student - please see 'Stage 2 Admission Requirements' above

For more information please contact Dave Cake. Dave.Cake@viu.ca 250.753.3245 Ext. 6153 

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

Fall 2024.

Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Paul Zandbergen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2727
Email: Paul.Zandbergen@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jamie Mollins
Email: Masters@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

February 15, 2024.

Comments:

This program requires you to attend classes on the Nanaimo campus. 

The MGISA program fills up very quickly, note that applications will be closed once the program is full. Please apply as early as possible to ensure there are seats available. Late applications will be accepted only if there is available space.

For more information please contact Dave.Cake@viu.ca 250.753.3245 Ext. 6153

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

Spring 2025

Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Paul Zandbergen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2727
Email: Paul.Zandbergen@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jamie Mollins
Email: Masters@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

November 15, 2024

Comments:

This is a full-time 100% online program that will take 2.5 years to complete.

Late applications will be accepted if space is available. Please contact Masters@viu.ca for assistance. 

For more information please contact Dave Cake at Dave.Cake@viu.ca 250.753.3245 Ext. 6153.

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.

Visit the Department Website

Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.