Take your love of mapping things out, analyzing data and using spatial science to predict change to the next level with a Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications at VIU.

GIS master’s program graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as forestry, resource management, urban and rural planning, government, banking, transportation and many more.

The MGISA program is available to students with any undergraduate degree who have experience or training with GIS. This online Master of Geographical Information System covers both academic and practical application of spatial analysis, learning in classrooms and working hands-on with ArcGIS by ESRI GIS software.

The Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications (GIS) Program
2 Years - Blended Face-to-Face/Online Program

The Master of Geographic Information System Applications (MGISA) Program builds on the existing Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications (ADGISA) Program by providing opportunities for students to strengthen their GIS skills, enabling them to compete more effectively and for better positions in the job market.

The program consists of two stages; each stage has 30 credits. Stage 1 involves the same courses as the current Advanced Diploma, and is available both face-to-face and online; the Stage 2 courses will be delivered online, with face-to-face or online supervision and defence of the research project.

The program combines a strong academic foundation with professional skills by requiring both academic courses (including labs and seminars) and a research project, thus generating an intellectual environment in which students can enhance their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the area of Geographic Information Science.

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.