Vancouver Island University
Programs: Advanced Diploma for GIS Applications (In-Class & Online)
Info: The Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications Program offered at Vancouver Island University (VIU) provides skills training in geographic information systems (GIS) to university and college graduates that wish to further strengthen their careers in GIS applications – an area that we all know is in demand all across Canada. Students receive comprehensive exposure and experience in the use of the latest GIS software technology.
Vancouver Island University’s Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications program is offered both with either an In-Class or an 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.
Students are required to purchase or own their own computers for both programs and the software with student licensing is provided to each individual. Students that take the online version are required to purchase or own their own GPS units (however the course only uses simple Garmin eTrex Vista receivers that cost very little to buy at many local places like Canadian Tire or Wal-mart).
source: viu.ca/adgisa/docs/cdn-gis-advanced-pgms-aug11-10.pdf
The Advanced Diploma for GIS Applications program has no government funding to help them out so they tend to have one of the highest tuition and program fees for GIS programs in British Columbia (See chart above comparing VIU with BCIT, Selkirk & Assiniboine Colleges), especially after you factor in that you need to have your own computer hardware among other education tools to complete the program. However the Vancouver Island University web site claim that their Advanced Diploma for GIS Applications program has an employment success rate over 90% witch is pretty good during our bad economic times and considering all the competition in the Geomatics Industry.
“Over 90% of graduates that have taken the program (to date) have successfully secured full time jobs in the field of GIS. graduates who remain in the mid-island area have ended up with a variety of employers, including local government, the provincial government and consultants in the area.”
Contact Info
3Nanaimo Campus · 900 Fifth StreetNanaimo, British ColumbiaV9R 5S5
1-888-920-2221
Visit the Vancouver Island University’s Advanced Diploma in GIS web site for more details on the program.
[sources: viu.ca ]
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