Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications in Canada at VIU Canada

Program Overview for Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications in Canada:

Through VIU's Master of Geographic Information System Application, you will inspire your love for mapping things, analyzing data, and using rocket science to predict change. GIS graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in forestry, resource management, urban and rural planning, government, banking, transportation, and other fields.

The MGISA program is suitable for students with GIS experience or any college degree that has received GIS training. This core online GIS course covers the academic and practical applications of spatial analysis, classroom learning, and practicing using ArcGIS through ESRI GIS software. 

Master's Course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications:

• 2-year Hybrid FacetoFace / Online Course
• Fully Online 2.5-Year Course
• The Master's Course in Geographic Information Systems Applications (MGISA) is based on the existing Advanced Diploma in GIS.
• Applications (ADGISA) Students provide opportunities to strengthen their skills in GIS so that they can compete more effectively and gain better positions in the job market.
• The program consists of two stages, and each stage has 30 credits. The first stage comprises the same courses as the current advanced diploma, which can be learned in person and online; the second stage courses will be taught online to supervise and defend face-to-face or online research projects. 

The program combines a strong academic foundation and professional skills by requiring academic courses (including labs and seminars) and research projects to create an intellectual environment in which students can enhance their theoretical knowledge and practice in teaching skills in geographic information science.

The eligibility for Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

• 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.
• 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.

These are the test eligibilities for the Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications in Canada.

The GIS industry grew by 10.3% in 2010 and about 8% in 2011, showing the continued strong growth of the industry. The GIS user survey of GIS workplaces also showed that 42% of respondents have at least a master's degree, which suggests that new GIS professionals may need to complete such a degree to successfully compete in the job market.

According to a 2012 report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., by 2015, the GIS industry is expected to become an industry worth 10.6 billion U.S. dollars. 

GIS is a technology that has been used in many application fields. Therefore, it provides a wide range of employment opportunities for graduates. In the Vancouver Island area and throughout British Columbia, many employers require GIS experience, including the federal government, such as the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo or Environment Canada in Vancouver;  the provincial government, such as the Nanaimo regional offices of the Ministry of Forestry or Environment, or many offices in Victoria; 

Local governments, such as many areas and municipalities on Vancouver Island; 
First Nations, such as Hul`qumi`num Treaty Group or Tseshaht First Nations; large private sector organizations or public services, such as Island Timberlands and Western Forest Products; and smaller consulting firms, especially those specializing in engineering, forestry, and environmental science.