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Program Fees January 27, 2022 - 12:07pm

Please see the Program Calendar page for current MGISA Program fees.
Financial Assistance January 28, 2022 - 9:31am

General Assistance

General information on financial aid and awards at VIU, including student loans. Please see the Financial Assistance page for additional details.
Frequently Asked Questions January 28, 2022 - 9:38am

Stage 1

Stage 1 of the MGISA program is virtually identical to the Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications program. For specific questions about Stage 1, including the differences between the Face-to-Face versus Online versions, please consult the ADGISA Frequently Asked Questions list.
Top 10 Questions For Potential Program Applicants January 27, 2022 - 5:09pm
Start Dates and Application Deadlines January 27, 2022 - 1:54pm

Entrance into the MGISA Program is a competitive process. For the best chance of being accepted into the program, applicants should submit their completed application and all documentation by the application deadline as detailed below:
In the News January 28, 2022 - 9:50am

Upcoming Webinars

If you’re interested in learning more about our GIS programs, sign up for one of our upcoming Webinar information sessions.  Details can be found from the Webinars tab.
Have a Look at GIS January 28, 2022 - 9:32am

Here are two good introductions to GIS. The first is a series of videos from Pennsylvania State University called Geospatial Revolution. This four-episode series explores how geospatial technologies, including GIS, are changing our world for the better, and how new jobs are being created in this industry.

Trailer Video
Information For International Students April 23, 2024 - 10:55am

International students (non-Canadian residents) should apply for entry to the blended delivery of the Master of GIS Applications (MGISA).  This is a university-accredited program which has been approved by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education.

See a general overview of our GIS programs for international students.
About Nanaimo January 27, 2022 - 4:26pm

Nanaimo is the fifth largest city in British Columbia, and the second largest on Vancouver Island. Here are some brief introductions to Nanaimo and more information about Nanaimo.  The Nanaimo city website also offers maps, visitor information, and general information for new residents.
How to Apply August 3, 2016 - 4:52pm

Apply to VIU. An official transcript from each institution attended is required to support your application. Submit all the required documentation, as outlined in the Admission Requirements, to:

Vancouver Island University
Registration Centre, Building 200
900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo BC V9R 5S5

Please note: First time applicants to Vancouver Island University must include an application fee with their application.
Practicum Overview for Stage 1 August 3, 2016 - 4:52pm

Please see the document on the ADGISA website. Please note that the practicum is Stage 1 is generally separate from the research project in Stage 2, unless permission is granted to extend the practicum into a full research project.
VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY August 3, 2016 - 4:54pm

Department of Sociology

Procedures for Ethical Review of Undergraduate Student Projects and Faculty Class Projects
Course Schedule January 26, 2024 - 3:16pm

Sequencing for the Sociology BA Major & Minor Degrees

Note: This information is not to be construed as a contract to offer the following courses at particular times. It reflects current scheduling practices in the Department, and is provided to help students to plan their degree completion in a timely fashion. Course scheduling may be changed at any time, without notice, to better meet the needs of students. This information does NOT override the information in the official VIU calendar.

Course
Contact Us February 10, 2025 - 7:17pm

Sylvie Lafrenière

Professor, Department Chair Sociology
Building: 356
Room: 374
Phone: 250.753.3245 Ext. 2179
Mail drop: 356-3
Email: Sylvie.Lafreniere@viu.ca
Careers January 28, 2022 - 9:41am

The study of sociology provides students with knowledge and skills highly desired in a rapidly changing economic, social and cultural environment. The knowledge and research skills used in sociology are widely applicable and through the study of sociology students develop their ability to think critically, to provide thoughtful, reasoned analysis and to communicate effectively.
Links September 4, 2020 - 9:50pm

Marie Piche December 7, 2022 - 3:08pm

Courses:

Research Interests:

No research focus as a temporary instructor with one section per semester.
Tony Robertson PhD August 3, 2016 - 4:52pm

Courses:
Caroline Burnley February 7, 2025 - 10:51am

Courses
Rachel Cooper PhD February 7, 2025 - 10:51am

Courses

Introductory Psychology, Infant and Child Development, Adolescence, Aging, Death and Dying, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, and Consciousness.

Research Interests

My research interests primarily concern anomalous phenomena in human behaviour, and other aspects of consciousness, from an interdisciplinary perspective. I am currently a member of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, The Society for Scientific Exploration, and the Parapsychological Association.