Specialize your career path - explore geographic science and information systems technology.

The one-year Geographic Information Systems Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with knowledge and skills relating to geographic and cartographic science, with a focus on information systems technology.

In this program, you use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to explore topics such as:

• field data collection
• programming
• remote sensing
• enterprise geo-database design and management
• cloud-based services
• application development
• 2D and 3D cartographic design
• spatial analysis and project management

A key part of this program is the independent project that you begin in your first semester and complete throughout your studies. You identify an area of interest, develop a project proposal, and then implement and complete your project, all in collaboration with an industry or government sponsor.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

The use of GIS in various business environments is growing. Graduates may find work in:

• utility/resource management companies
• survey/engineering/environmental companies
• software companies
• municipal, provincial or federal agencies

Graduates may also seek employment in jobs where GIS is a tool used within the discipline of their previous degree or diploma.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have the ability to summarize and present technical topics both orally and in written formats.
• Have an aptitude for computer technology.
• Are able to analyze, evaluate and apply relevant geographic information from a variety of sources.
• Have a strong sense for spatial relationships.
• Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
• Can work effectively in a teamwork environment.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in organizations, such as utility/resource management companies, survey/engineering/environmental firms, software companies, or municipal, provincial or federal agencies. They may seek employment in jobs where GIS is a tool used within the discipline of their previous degree or diploma. Graduates may also find employment where information technology is the primary focus.

The implementation of GIS in various business environments is growing rapidly, enhancing employment opportunities for GIS graduates in this sector.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Create digital geographic data sets and services to given specifications suitable for use in GIS applications and digital mapping.
2. Use GIS software and applications in various situations to create required documents and applications.
3. Organize, manipulate, summarize and analyze spatial and aspatial data by utilizing statistical and database design concepts.
4. Analyze complex geographic data sets according to given specifications and parameters.
5. Create programs for specific tasks or purpose by applying software programming concepts and techniques.
6. Plan and execute a GIS project according to stakeholder requirements.
7. Communicate complex geographic information in visual and verbal forms, to stakeholders.
8. Interpret, georeference, correct, and classify remotely-sensed imagery for use in GIS.
9. Apply cartographic design principles to create hard-copy maps and/or digital displays.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 1588X03FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

CO-OP INFORMATION:
All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

Program contact: Mike Ballard, 613-727-4723 ext. 3458, ballarm@algonquincollege.com.