Part-time/Distance & Online Learning Advanced Diploma 9100padvdip

Overview

Announcement: the Advanced Diploma program in GIS is now available online.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used to manage and utilize geographic data, and is widely recognized as an essential tool in such diverse fields as forest management, urban planning, engineering, municipal management, business, and environmental studies.

The Advanced Diploma program in Geographic Information Systems is designed for students with a background in a related discipline or technology. The part-time program is available entirely through online learning and can be completed in as little as two years. The part-time program can also be completed through a combination of  campus-based courses with online learning courses.

The curriculum combines theory and practice and covers GIS principles, training in GIS software, technical issues, remote sensing, digital mapping and management issues. Students must also successfully complete a supervised work experience before graduation. This may be either an industry project or an industry practicum.

NOTE: The GIS Department has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you decide which BCIT GIS option is best for you.

Program Entry

Entrance requirements

GIS is a multidisciplinary field and has applications in a wide variety of professions and industries, and the GIS Department welcomes applicants from most academic areas:

  • English 12 (C) and English language proficiency
  • Applicants are required to complete one of the following prior to admission:
    1. A Diploma of Technology
    2. A University degree
    3. An Associate degree from a recognized BC institution -OR - the equivalent through two or more years of university study. See the BCCAT website for information on Associate Degrees.

Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States or England will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).

Additional Requirements

  • GIS Departmental Assessment (Adv Dip) [PDF]
  • Resume
  • A letter explaining why you want to take the GIS program and how you will be preparing for the program.
  • It is recommended that students must possess good communication, teamwork and technical problem-solving skills.
  • Fundamental computer literacy and computer programming skills are also recommended.

Admissions/Registration

Students do not need to apply for entry into the GIS Advanced Diploma program in order to take GIS part-time courses, however, students should apply for the acceptance into part-time studies program after taking two courses and have decided to complete the Advanced Diploma through Part-time Studies.

Part-time courses start in January, April and September each year and are subject to enrolment. The part-time courses are filled each term through our registration department on a first come first served basis. Anyone may take these courses if they meet the individual course prerequisites.

BC provincial exams

Provincial exam marks are required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12. BCIT does not require provincial exams for Grade 12 Math and Science courses.

Apply to program

Submit an application: online or by mail [PDF].

You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.

Scheduled intakes

January, April and September

Application processing

Ongoing throughout the year.

A large number of full-time GIS students start the program by taking a few part-time courses.

myCommunication

Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.

All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Whether you are a professional seeking upgrading, or a student interested in GIS as a career, you can explore GIS through our part-time studies (PTS) courses. Whether it is GIS software, remote sensing, databases, programming, or just a general introduction to GIS, we probably have something of value and interest to you.
You can work from home or your office on one of our e-learning courses, or take a course in a conventional classroom setting. Classroom courses are offered evenings and weekends, and in some week long sessions, at the Burnaby campus.
Most PTS courses are creditable towards the full-time Advanced Diploma or Bachelor of Technology in GIS. Our GIS FAQ has examples of part-time course schedules.

You do not need to be registered into a program in order to take a part-time course, and you can register online, by FAX or by telephone.

Prerequisites

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet formal GIS course prerequisites or have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete a course successfully. Successful completion of a course without the formal prerequisite does not imply successful completion or credit for the prerequisite course. Students who intend to complete one of the GIS programs must formally satisfy all course prerequisites through transfer/exemption credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.

Late Registration

Students must be registered the day before the course starts. Departmental approval is required for late registration. Contact Martha Villatoro to request late registration.

Withdrawal and Refunds

Information on part-time course withdrawal and refunds is available from Admissions and Registration.

GIS NET Courses

General information on online learning can be found at the BCIT distance and learning web site. Read the PDF [13KB] document 'Is online learning for me?'

Invigilation Information for GIS NET courses

GIS NET Courses require the student to complete a final exam that must be invigilated. It is the student's responsibility to arrange for final exam invigilation. The student is responsible for any associated costs. Invigilation may be done at recognized test centres or by individuals. Additional information will be provided for registered students.

Access to GIS NET Courses

BCIT uses the Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system. Access to course material for registered students is available at the Desire2Learn login page on the start day of the course. You login using your myBCIT ID and password.

Computer Requirements

Students will require a computer with Internet access capable of working with BCIT’s LMS. Prospective students can perform a system check at the D2L login page. Students must also have standard MS-Office compatible software for writing assignments. Adobe Acrobat reader, Flash and Shockwave browser plug-ins; a media player, and the ability to ZIP and UNZIP files.
GIS NET courses that utilize GIS software may require setup and configuration to work with the software server. Additional details will be provided to registered students.

Textbooks /Workbooks

You can find textbook information for online courses at the BCIT Distance & Online Learning bookstore.

Program matrix

1. GIS Technology Courses (45.0 credits) Credits
  GIST 7010 GIS Programming 1 3.0
  GIST 7100 Fundamentals of GIS 3.0
  GIST 7108 Fundamentals of Mapping
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 7109 Mapping Using Microstation 3.0
  GIST 7128 ArcGIS 1: Introduction 3.0
  GIST 7130 GIS Computing and the Internet
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 7132 GIS Database Systems 1
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 8010 GIS Programming 2
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 8100 Technical Issues in GIS
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 8106 Spatial Analysis 3.0
  GIST 8117 Cartography and GeoVisualization 3.0
  GIST 8118 GIS Remote Sensing
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 8128 ArcGIS 2: Data Management and Analysis
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 8132 GIS Database Systems 2
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GIST 8138 ArcGIS 3: Customization and Modelling 3.0
Note: Most of these courses are also available online.
 
2. Management Courses: (5.0 credits) Credits
  GIST 8109 Geospatial Systems Management
course outlinenot currently available
2.0
  GIST 8110 Management Issues in GIS 3.0
  TMGT 7101 Engineering, Technology and Management
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7103 Research and Development Management
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7104 Management of Technological Change
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7123 Technology Information Systems 1.0
  TMGT 7131 Business Strategy and Structure
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7132 Managing Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7133 Law for Intelligence-based Business
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7141 Managing in a Technical Environment
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7143 Problem Solving and Decision-Making
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 8103 Technology Assessment
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
Note: Students may also select management course electives from other advanced diploma or degree programs at BCIT, subject to program approval.
 
3. Project / Practicum Courses: (12.0 credits) Credits
  GIST 7122 GIS Project/Practicum Proposal
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  TMGT 7102 Project Management/Resource Utilization 1.0
  TMGT 7142 Technology Management Communication 1.0
and
  GIST 8125 GIS Project
course outlinenot currently available
9.0
  or
  GIST 8126 GIS Industry Practicum
course outlinenot currently available
9.0
Note: Completion of GIST 7120 in the full-time GIS program may be applied towards exemption of GIST 7122, TMGT 7102 and TMGT 7142.

 
Total Credits: 62.0

Check current availability of courses for this program.

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

Program length

The part-time program courses are generally offered evenings, Saturdays or as workshops spanning a few days. The program is also now available online. Most students complete the part-time program in 2-4 years depending on educational background and number of courses taken each term. The Part-time studies GIS program must be completed within 5 years of commencing studies.

Program location

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Available online starting September 2012.

Program structure

    Credits
GIS Technology Courses   45.0
Management Courses   5.0
Project/Practicum Courses   12.0
Total   62.0

Graduating & Jobs

Job Opportunities

The majority of GIS graduates are working for either private industry (forestry, GIS vendors, natural resource exploration, computer systems) consulting companies (environmental, engineering, forestry, mapping, scanning, and software) or government agencies (municipal, provincial, federal). The graduates are developing GIS databases, using GIS to analyze data and predict the result of planned changes, managing GIS projects, planning the acquisition of GIS technology, developing GIS custom systems and training GIS users.

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Advisory committee


  • P. Bates, District of West Vancouver
  • J. Clarke, Spatial Vision Group Inc.
  • G. Cooney, Ministry of Sustainable Resource Mgmt.
  • M. Doherty, ESRI Canada Ltd.
  • K. Hayne, Emergency Management BC
  • W. Johnstone, Spatial Vision Group Inc.
  • B. Klinkenberg, UBC, Department of Geography
  • H. Lee, RCMP
  • R. Lilley, GE Energy
  • C. Lim, Bureau of Intelligent Transportation Systems & Freight Security - Engineering, UBC
  • P. Lippe, Weyerhaeuser
  • S. Mak, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
  • K. MacLachlan, the Oppenheimer Group
  • D. Murray, TransLink
  • J. Paillard, Stornoway Diamond Corp
  • D. Stewart, Consultant
  • M. Stoakes, Safe Software
  • R. Taylor, Kerr Wood Leidal

Contact Us

Jonathan Candy, Part-time Studies Coordinator
604-432-8378

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