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Contact Us February 6, 2022 - 11:01pm

For general MCP inquiries please email: mcp@viu.ca

Pam Shaw PhD FCIP RPP FRCGS
Director, Community Planning Department
Vancouver Island University
900 5th Street Nanaimo BC V9R 5S5
Email: Pam.Shaw@viu.ca
Phone: 250.753.3245, Ext. 2620
Toll-Free: 1-888-920-2221
Program Overview January 21, 2022 - 12:21pm

About the Program

The Master of Community Planning is a 2-year full-time professional program (Sep-Apr) that is designed to give aspiring students the knowledge, experience, and skills to become Registered Professional Planners with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).

The primary focus areas of the program are:
Registration Deadline and Fees June 3, 2019 - 2:06pm

All completed applications must be received by the last business day in February for admission in the following September.
Costs associated with the program include:
Meet the Professionals July 12, 2022 - 9:13am

The Master of Community Planning program at Vancouver Island University is widely supported by professionals working in the field of Planning all over Vancouver Island. Please take a look at our list of Program Mentors, Faculty, and Alumni; these exceptional professionals have grown the program into what it is today.
Courses August 5, 2022 - 10:46am

First Year (all are required courses)

PLAN 501 - Introduction and History of Planning     3 credits

This course begins with definitions of land use planning, traces through thousands of years of planning thought, and then shifts to the history of Canadian planning. The range of ideas that fall under the term “planning” are discussed.  This course necessarily addresses both theory and practice.
Admission Requirements March 3, 2023 - 9:20am

To be admitted to the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in any discipline, and must meet the following criteria:

  • A minimum average of “B” calculated in the last 2 years of the undergraduate degree, with a review of the entire degree
About VIU January 21, 2022 - 4:15pm

Vancouver Island University (VIU) serves the communities of central Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia.  With roots reaching back to 1936, VIU has grown into a first class centre of teaching, learning, and research excellence and plays an important role in shaping the educational, cultural, and economic landscape of the region.  Our main campus in Nanaimo is located on the slope of Mount Benson and overlooks the spectacular Salish Sea.  We have regional campuses in Cowichan and Powell River and a campus centre in Parksville.  VIU offers a wide range of graduate, undergraduate, ap
Employment Opportunities July 23, 2019 - 12:44pm

Current Students

Research Assistants
Mentorship Program January 21, 2022 - 1:36pm

All MCP students are individually assigned a mentor who is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) in the local planning community.  The purpose of mentors is to build a relationship with an experienced professional who can provide general guidance, career advice, and act as a “sounding board” for discussing planning issues.  The Mentors are provided with a summary of the expectations of the MCP program for Mentors, but the specifics of the communication between the Mentor and the student will be left to their discretion.
About Community Planning April 23, 2024 - 11:06am

The Canadian Institute of Planners defines planning as “the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities.”
How to Apply February 27, 2023 - 9:20am

Prospective Students

  1. Ensure that you meet the program’s Admission Requirements.
Scholarships and Awards February 12, 2024 - 8:34am

There are several funding opportunities for students. See links below for more information:
Class of 2017 October 22, 2018 - 11:42am

Graduation Requirements January 28, 2022 - 9:34am

Students must obtain a passing grade for all courses in the program.
Faculty February 10, 2025 - 12:31pm

Dr Michael Govorov

Title: Professor
Location: Nanaimo Campus, Building 100, Room 107
Phone: 250.753.3245 Ext. 2729
Email: Michael.Govorov@viu.ca
Program Schedule February 9, 2018 - 3:56pm

Stage 1 (Online)

Spring

Summer

Fall

Spring

501

511

 

521

530
Career Opportunities January 28, 2022 - 9:31am

With its focus on GIS applications, the program will graduate students who are well qualified to assume employment as GIS applications professionals in a variety of related fields.

Graduate Employment Rates

Over 90% of graduates from the face-to-face version of the Advanced Diploma program have successfully secured full-time jobs in GIS.
Equipment And Texts January 28, 2022 - 9:31am

What hardware will I need for this program?

The hardware requirements for the MGISA program depend heavily on whether you will be working on campus or online.
Prerequisite GIS Courses June 5, 2024 - 12:00pm

Many students who enter the Master of GIS Applications program have previous experience with GIS, either through formal coursework, or through extensive on-the-job training.

It is highly recommended that you learn the basics of GIS before applying for the MGISA program. The program assumes that you are highly computer literate, are able to navigate the ArcGIS user interface and have a basic understanding of how to perform basic GIS analysis tasks and create maps.

Example Prerequisite Courses

Examples of appropriate introductory GIS courses include:
Program Information January 28, 2022 - 9:34am

The MGISA Program is divided into two stages. Stage 1 is focused on teaching technical skills, while Stage 2 is focused on broadening and deepening your knowledge of GIS in an area of GIS in which you want to specialize. The two stages could be accomplished within two full years.