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.

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
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

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

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications 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, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/

Program Resources

CO-OP INFORMATION
All applicants apply to the co-op version of the program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. After admission, students who do not wish to pursue the co-op option may opt out before the first scheduled co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with real-world experience through paid, program-related work terms. Two academic terms before their first co-op work term, students must actively participate in and complete a self-directed co-op preparation course, including required readiness activities and workshops.

Students are responsible for conducting a guided, self-directed job search and securing approved, paid co-op employment related to their program of study. Co-op students compete for positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. While Algonquin College's Co-op & Career Centre supports students by developing co-op opportunities and providing guidance throughout the process, employment is not guaranteed. Co-op work opportunities may require students to relocate. All costs associated with participation-including travel, accommodation, work permits, visa applications, and other related expenses-are the responsibility of the student.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during academic terms when students are not enrolled in classes. For details about the number and timing of co-op work terms in your program, please refer to the Courses tab on your program's webpage.

International students are responsible for ensuring they meet all co-op work permit requirements before participating in a co-op work term. Additional information is available at: www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts

For more information about co-op programs, expectations, and general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, visit: www.algonquincollege.com/coop-career-centre