- Completion of the program allows you to apply for positions that many GIS students are not qualified for.
- Your starting income is likely to be higher than students who do not hold a Master's degree.
- You will have higher status within the workplace, and better access to promotions.
- The program is normally two full years in length (September - August) if taken full-time.
- For those completing the program while maintaining fulltime work a more realistic timeframe to completion is three years.
- Students who qualify for Advanced Placement into Stage 2 will be able to complete the program in one full year (September - August).
- Stage 1 of the program may be taken face-to-face at the Nanaimo campus, or entirely online.
- Stage 2 may be taken entirely online, or in a blended mode which requires students to attend classes at the Nanaimo campus.
- Fee information is available on the MGISA Program Calendar page.
- For some students, this program will be the most difficult but most rewarding thing that they have ever done.
- Students who have already completed a Post-Graduate GIS Diploma will know the kind of workload to expect, but will be expected to demonstrate a higher level of self-direction and independence than in the previous program.
- Please see the MGISA Program Calendar page.
The Admissions process for the Master of GIS Application depends on where you come from, and what your background is:
For Domestic Students
Students with limited GIS Experience (A Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus at least one applied course in GIS):
- Entry into Stage 1 of the MGISA program
- Stage 1 is identical to the Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications program
Students holding a Post-graduate GIS Diploma (equivalent to VIU's Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications) with grades in all courses higher than a "B":
- Advanced placement into Stage 2 of the MGISA program
- Students who do not have all grades higher than a "B" in all courses may apply to take these courses again, prior to applying for Stage 2 (Note: this does not automatically guarantee entry into Stage 2; entry is still a competitive process)
For International Students
- Admission policies are identical to those for Domestic Students above, but you also need to meet the general requirements for entry into VIU. See VIU International Admissions.
- Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts, demonstrating that you hold a bachelor's degree at an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Evidence that you have completed an introductory GIS course. For information on acceptable courses and challenge options for fulfilling this requirement, please see Prerequisite GIS Courses.
- A resume of academic and professional experience.
- A cover letter explaining, in your own words, how the MGISA program will contribute to your career plans.
- A preliminary description of the research topic you wish to pursue.
- Two letters of recommendation (references) - not required if you are a graduate of VIU's Advanced Diploma in GISA. Refer to the reference letter template.
- If your first language is not English, your TOEFL or IELTS score sheet.
- Dedicated, experienced GIS faculty who are experts in their fields.
- VIU has a staff of 6 GIS experts with a variety of backgrounds that can serve as research project supervisors.
- Training program focused on practical and personal skills that are required in the job market.
- You can apply to VIU online, by mailing in an application form, or in-person at the Registration and Admissions Centre (Nanaimo Campus, Building 200, Room 340).