Master of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications

Program Outline - Blended Option

Program Outline - Fully Online

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.