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Geographic Information Systems

Program Details

Length: 1 to 2 years
Total Credits: Advanced Certificate - 12 credits, Advanced Diploma - 47 credits, Bachelor Degree - 30 credits
Intake Term(s): Fall
Campus: Castlegar
Approximate Program Cost

Student Loan eligible: Yes - details here (Note: The Advanced Certificate in Geomatics in the Workplace is not student loan eligible)

Credential Received

Advanced Certificate in Geomatics in the Workplace

Advanced Diploma in Geographic Information Systems

Bachelor Degree in Geographic Information Systems

Program Summary

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a highly valued workplace asset with industries increasingly needing GIS experts. With unmatched flexibility, you can enter and exit our program at a variety of points in your academic career.

Students enter our Advanced Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree year one, that can continue into Bachelor's Degree year two after completing 60 postsecondary credits from other programs. We then provide you with top quality GIS training and education to prepare you to succeed in today's fast-changing industries that are increasing demanding spatial skills. We also have a flexible online Advanced Certificate Program called Geomatics in the Workplace targeting working professionals wanting new skills in GIS.

GIS Complements Any Career
Flexible and adaptable, GIS can be used in a variety of different scenarios, to make evidence-based decisions, understand trends and analyze data, effectively communicate a message and visually tell a story. GIS allows experts to map any type of spatial data so that it is interactive, complex and layered with valuable information.

Be a specialist in demand in this field that touches a variety of industries, including: business planning, health care, wildlife conservation, natural resource planning, water management, community development, climate change research, and law enforcement.

Our GIS programs are also complemented by our College’s Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC) and Rural development Institute (RDI), giving you opportunities to use and understand GIS in current real-world situations. Our GIS classrooms and these researchers are in the Applied Research and Innovation Centre, where you’ll get essential training, individual access to an advanced workstation, and exposure to projects.

This program offers you a Co-op Education experience.
Typical applicants for the diploma, degree, or certificate enter with a minimum 60 credit pre-requisite diploma, associate degree, or degree in a related discipline such as health care, geography, business, environmental, computer, or social science.

This allows direct entry into the on-line Certificate or the Advanced Diploma in GIS (ADGIS) 12 month program. The ADGIS diploma forms the basis of 300 level courses required as part of the degree.

To complete the Bachelor’s degree in GIS applicants need to fulfill the following:

  • Pre-requisite 60 credit in a related discipline with an average GPA of at least 2.33
  • Minimum of 56 credits residency are required at Selkirk College in semesters 1-5. This generally includes the ADGIS 300 and 400 level courses,
  • An additional 15 credits are required from relevant subject areas to complete the degree. These are selected with consultation with the School Chair.
  • Completion of the thesis course GIS 492. This course outlines the pathways to completing the thesis requirements, reporting requirements, and faculty review schedules.
  • Applicants that have pre-requisite credentials with greater than 60 credits may apply for advanced credit to satisfy the elective stream course requirements.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:

  • explain how project management principles support successful GIS projects.
  • support a multi-stakeholder environment through engagement with GIS.
  • apply strategies that improve communication with the understanding of different audiences through collaboration, public speaking, presentation, technical writing and dialog.
  • exhibit positive, professional behaviors that maximize opportunities for improved relationships and career success.
  • acquire, convert, and handle different spatial and non-spatial data.
  • implement processes to assess and document the source, history, quality and appropriate use of spatial and non-spatial information.
  • explore new solutions; adapt new technology and trouble shooting.
  • demonstrate proficiency managing, analyzing, and automating spatial data tools within GIS environment.
  • synthesize geospatial data into meaningful results.
  • answer relevant research questions effectively.

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Admission Requirements for ADGIS and BGIS Programs

  • Completion of 60 credits from a diploma/associate degree or applied/academic degree from an accredited post-secondary institution with an average GPA of at least 2.33.
  • Two completed confidential reference forms, which are found on our website here: http://selkirk.ca/program/geographic-information-systems/admission-requirements (GIS Reference Form)
  • Letter of Intent, not exceeding 500 words, stating your background and interest in the field of Geographic Information Systems.

Admission Requirements for ACGIS (Geomatics in the Workplace)

  • Completion of a recognized college diploma/associate degree or university degree in a related discipline or equivalent education or work experience.
  • Letter of Intent, not exceeding 500 words, stating your background and interest in the field of Geographic Information Systems.

Additional Requirements

Minimum entry is also possible with equivalent education or work experience such as a background doing research or using GIS, and/or other computer software.

Demonstrated competency in computer technology, including, spreadsheet use, word processing, computer graphics and presentations is required. In addition, International students will be expected to provide documentation of English proficiency (refer to the college calendar for requirements).

Applicants may be required to complete modules in mathematics, writing and computer technology skills if knowledge gaps in one or more of these areas are identified by the School Chair.

All applicants must submit two academic or professional references on the GIS Reference Form. Both references must indicate a favourable chance of applicant success in the program.
All applicants must complete a brief letter of intent of 500 words or less that states their background and personal interest in the program. Applicants should highlight computer skills, and any previous GIS experience in their letter.

Graduation and Promotion

In order to receive your credential in your program you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.