Vancouver Island University (VIU) has developed as one of Canada’s centers for GIS education

VIU’s Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications (ADGISA)is offered both with either an In-Class or a fully Online version. In both options, students learn how to use GIS as spatial information and problem-solving tools in addressing real world problems. The eight month In-Class program is equally divided between learning hands-on concepts and mastering GIS as a tool in solving real world problems.

The online program is similar to the In-Class program but spread out over sixteen months and tailored to those who are currently employed or can not relocate to Nanaimo, British Columbia.  Both options are delivered as a package and no individual courses are offered. ESRI’s ArcGIS is the main software package used in the delivery of these programs including a select number of course modules, available through Esri’s Virtual Campus.

VIU has six experts in GIS and Remote Sensing, three of whom teach full-time in the ADGISA program. All of the ADGISA instructors are dedicated, full-time faculty members committed to ensuring our students’ success. A very high proportion of program graduates have successfully secured full-time jobs in GIS.

The VIU Master of GIS Applications (MGISA) program is a two-stage program offering both Blended (Face-to-Face/Online) and Fully Online options. The program is designed for both students who have little exposure to GIS and for students who have already completed a post-graduate GIS Diploma. For students with little experience, the program is 2 or 2½ years in length, depending on whether the Blended of Fully Online option is chosen. Those students who already hold a post-graduate GIS Diploma may be eligible for advanced entry into the final year of the program.

For more details refer to the GIS Applications Vancouver Island University site https://www2.viu.ca/adgisa/ or the Mater of GIS Applications program page http://www2.viu.ca/mgisa