Overview
A career in GIS can take you where you want to go. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used to manage and utilize geographic data, and is widely recognized as an essential tool in such diverse fields as forest management, urban planning, engineering, municipal management, business, and environmental studies.
The Advanced Diploma program in Geographic Information Systems is designed for students with a background in a related discipline or technology. The part-time program is available entirely through online learning and can be completed in 2 – 4 years.
The curriculum combines theory and practice and covers GIS principles, training in GIS software, technical issues, remote sensing, digital mapping and management issues. Students must also successfully complete a supervised work experience before graduation. This may be either an industry project or an industry practicum.
The GIS Department has compiled a list of frequently asked questions [PDF] to help you decide which BCIT GIS option is best for you.
NOTE: BCIT also offers a Bachelor of Technology Degree in GIS. Students enrolled in the Advanced Diploma can change to the Bachelor of Technology program early in the Fall semester if required. Once the student has committed to the Advanced Diploma and has graduated, they cannot take subsequent courses and apply for the Bachelor of Technology.
Missed an info session?
If you’ve missed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) information session, the full video is now available. Note: This information session was held May 21, 2020 and topics discussed in this session are subject to change without notice.
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program is open to applications beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
Geographic informations systems (GIS) is a multidisciplinary field and has applications in a wide variety of professions and industries. The GIS Department welcomes applicants from most academic areas.
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements to be accepted.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Post-secondary: one of the following from a recognized institution:
- BCIT Diploma or equivalent
- University degree
- A minimum of 60.0 credits of courses from one or more recognized post-secondary institutions including:
- 3.0 credits in BCIT Communications courses or equivalent and
- 18.0 credits at the second-year or higher level
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Recommended for success
Interested in the program? Great, but do your research carefully to ensure that GIS is the right program for you.
Attend a GIS INFO session, talk to faculty and students, research the career opportunities and job market, and do an honest self-assessment that you are ready to enrol and capable of succeeding.
Ready to apply? Excellent choice, but it's important to be prepared for this challenging program.
You'll significantly improve your chances of admission and success if you come well-prepared. Read the following and spend some time in assessment and preparation.
Strongly recommended fundamental computer literacy and computer programming skills.
Computer programming is emphasized strongly in the BCIT GIS program. Students who arrive unprepared usually find the programming and GIS customization courses a great deal of work, which affects other studies.
Regardless of your abilities and experience, you should develop your skills as much as possible before you start the program. The GIS program covers many programming languages. Programming languages taught currently in GIS courses include Java, Python, JavaScript, PHP and others. You should know programming concepts and program design before starting GIS studies at BCIT, but you do not need to know any particular programming language.
You will be using the Web a great deal in the program. For example, you will be developing your own pages in September to present your resume and project/practicum. You should also learn how to create basic web pages using HTML, and how to use an HTML editor before you arrive in September.
Refresh your skills in basic algebra, trigonometry, and analytical geometry (e.g. polar and rectangular coordinates, equation of a straight line, distance between two points). You will find this helpful in a number of courses.
It is recommended that students possess good communication, teamwork and technical problem-solving skills.
Admissions/Registration
Students accepted into the full-time program are registered into all the required courses in the program matrix as a block. Many students are able to receive exemptions for some courses completed previously in flexible learning (part-time studies) at BCIT or from other institutes. These students can apply for credit/exemption once they have started the full-time program in September.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid status in Canada other than study permit. International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
Whether you are a professional seeking upgrading, or a student interested in GIS as a career, you can explore GIS through our Flexible Learning (previously part-time) courses. Whether it is GIS software, remote sensing, databases, programming, or just a general introduction to GIS, we probably have something of value and interest to you.
All courses in our GIS programs are available fully online. You can work from home or your office on one of our e-learning courses
Most PTS courses are creditable towards the full-time Advanced Diploma or Bachelor of Technology in GIS. Our GIS FAQ [PDF] has examples of Flexible Learning course schedules.
You do not need to be registered into a program in order to take a Flexible Learning course, and you can register online, by FAX or by telephone. You may register for courses prior to applying to the program, with the understanding that taking these courses in advance of acceptance does not guarantee your acceptance into the program.
Prerequisites
Students are responsible for ensuring they meet formal GIS course prerequisites or have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete a course successfully. Successful completion of a course without the formal prerequisite does not imply successful completion or credit for the prerequisite course. Students who intend to complete one of the GIS programs must formally satisfy all course prerequisites through transfer/exemption credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.
Late registration
Students must be registered the day before the course starts. Departmental approval is required for late registration. Contact the GIS Program Assistant to request late registration.
Withdrawal and refunds
Information on Flexible Learning course withdrawal and refunds is available from Admissions and Registration.
GIS NET courses
General information on online learning can be found at the BCIT distance and learning web site. Read the PDF [13KB] document ‘Is online learning for me?’
Access to GIS NET courses
BCIT uses the Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system. Access to course material for registered students is available at the Desire2Learn login page on the start day of the course. You login using your myBCIT ID and password.
Computer requirements
Students will require a computer with Internet access capable of working with BCIT’s LMS. Prospective students can perform a system check at the D2L login page. Students must also have standard MS-Office compatible software for writing assignments. Adobe Acrobat reader, Flash and Shockwave browser plug-ins; a media player, and the ability to ZIP and UNZIP files.
GIS NET courses that utilize GIS software may require setup and configuration to work with the software server. Additional details will be provided to registered students.
Textbooks/workbooks
You can find textbook information for online courses at the BCIT Distance & Online Learning bookstore.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
1. GIS Technology Courses (45.0 credits) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
GIST 7010 | GIS Programming 1 | 3.0 | |
GIST 7100 | Fundamentals of GIS | 3.0 | |
GIST 7108 | Fundamentals of Mapping | 3.0 | |
GIST 7111 | CAD for GIS | 3.0 | |
GIST 7128 | ArcGIS 1: Introduction | 3.0 | |
GIST 7130 | GIS Computing and the Internet | 3.0 | |
GIST 7132 | GIS Database Systems 1 | 3.0 | |
GIST 8010 | GIS Programming 2 | 3.0 | |
GIST 8100 | Technical Issues in GIS | 3.0 | |
GIST 8106 | Spatial Analysis | 3.0 | |
GIST 8117 | Cartography and GeoVisualization | 3.0 | |
GIST 8118 | GIS Remote Sensing | 3.0 | |
GIST 8128 | ArcGIS 2: Data Management and Analysis | 3.0 | |
GIST 8132 | GIS Database Systems 2 | 3.0 | |
GIST 8138 | ArcGIS 3: Customization and Modelling | 3.0 | |
2. Management Courses: (5.0 credits) | Credits | ||
GIST 8109 | Geospatial Systems Management | 2.0 | |
GIST 8110 | Management Issues in GIS | 3.0 | |
TMGT 7101 | Engineering, Technology and Management | 1.0 | |
TMGT 7103 | Research and Development Management | 1.0 | |
TMGT 7123 | Technology Information Systems | 1.0 | |
TMGT 7133 | Law for Intelligence-based Business | 1.0 | |
TMGT 7135 | Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 3.0 | |
TMGT 7143 | Problem Solving and Decision-Making | 1.0 | |
TMGT 7145 | Leadership in a World of Change | 3.0 | |
TMGT 7152 | Implementation Issues in Data Management | 3.0 | |
TMGT 7153 | Tactical and Strategic Business Use of the Internet | 3.0 | |
TMGT 7154 | Trends in New and Emerging Information Technologies | 3.0 | |
TMGT 7155 | Information Technology Management Issues | 3.0 | |
TMGT 7156 | IT Risk Management | 3.0 | |
TMGT 8103 | Technology Assessment | 3.0 | |
4. Project / Practicum Courses: (16.0 credits) | Credits | ||
GIST 7120 | GIS Project/Practicum Planning and Proposal | 3.0 | |
and | |||
GIST 8125 | GIS Project | 13.0 | |
or | |||
GIST 8126 | GIS Industry Practicum | 13.0 | |
Total Credits: | 66.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Program length
The maximum time to complete the program is five years.
Most students complete the part-time program in three to five years, depending on their educational background and the number of courses taken each term. The part-time program must be completed within five years of commencing studies.
It may be possible to complete this program in less than three years with an approved plan by the Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) Coordinator. Please note that a three-year completion may be impossible – even with an approved plan – due to course scheduling and prerequisites.
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are offered through online learning.Program structure
Credits | |||
GIS Technology Courses | 45.0 | ||
Management Courses | 5.0 | ||
Project/Practicum Courses | 16.0 | ||
Total | 66.0 |
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Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
The majority of GIS graduates are working for either private industry (forestry, GIS vendors, natural resource exploration, computer systems) consulting companies (environmental, engineering, forestry, mapping, scanning, and software) or government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal). The graduates are developing GIS databases, using GIS to analyze data and predict the result of planned changes, managing GIS projects, planning the acquisition of GIS technology, developing GIS custom systems and training GIS users.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Carmen Heaver, Part-time Studies Coordinator
604-432-8378
Advisory committee
- N. Ali, CBRE Canada
- P. Bates, District of West Vancouver
- O. Blasig, GE Energy
- J. Clark, Spatial Vision Group
- M. Doherty, ESRI Canada Ltd.
- K. Hayne, City of Vancouver
- C. Huntington, City of Burnaby
- W. Johnstone, Spatial Vision Group Inc. (Chair)
- H. Lee, RCMP
- C. Lim, Acuere Consulting
- S. Mak, BC Centre for Disease Control
- J. Paillard, Stornoway Diamond Corp.
- G. Singh, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources
- M. Stoakes, SAFE Software
- R. Taylor, Kerr Wood Leidal
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GIS Online
The BCIT GIS Bachelor of Technology degree (BTech) or Advanced Diploma Program (ADP) can be completed entirely via online learning. The BCIT GIS Advanced Certificate is only offered via online learning.
Apply to the BCIT GIS AdvCert, GIS ADP or GIS BTech program as a Flexible Learning student. You can apply anytime. You are a Flexible Learning student as you will not attend BCIT campus, and you will take at least two years to complete all the online AdvCert or ADP courses, or the online technical courses component of the B.Tech. Note: you can only complete these courses in one year if you are a full-time BCIT campus student.
Contact Carmen Heaver to setup your online course schedule after you have submitted your application.
Register for each of your required courses following your course schedule. You may register for introductory level courses before your application is approved. You will be permitted to register into advanced courses with approval from our program assistant, who will check that you are accepted into the program and have completed any prerequisite courses.
Tuition fees are per course. You may be able to reduce the cost by applying for transfer credit if you have already completed a course at another post-secondary institution that has equivalent learning outcomes to a BCIT GIS program course and if that course was not used as part of your GIS AdvCert, ADP or GIS B.Tech. application credit requirements. You might also have an income from a part-time job while studying and may also receive some tuition support from an employer. Note that tuition fees usually increase each year by approximately 2%.
Access You’ll use BCIT’s online learning platform, to listen to lectures, connect to the BCIT computer servers, use GIS software, complete GIS software assignments just as you would in a BCIT campus computer lab, discuss questions with other class members, connect with your instructor in virtual office hours when the instructor can help with problems and demonstrate software or access your computer to help you. Lab assignments are completed through accessing an on-demand web application so you can use a MAC, Windows or UNIX operating system machine.
You probably want to study online because you do not live near the BCIT Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada campus and do not want to relocate, or you have a job and want to study part-time. You like to have flexible study hours.
Please check our Frequently Asked Questions [PDF] for more information.
Any additional questions about completing the GIS program online, please contact Carmen Heaver or call 604-432-8378.
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Contact Us
Please see FAQs [PDF] for more details or contact Program Advising if you have questions about:
- Application process
- Entrance requirements
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Program costs
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
program_advising@bcit.ca | 604-434-1610
Dee Morita
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-451-7001
Email: gis@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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