Geographic Information Systems - Bachelor's Degree
Overview
GIS allows experts to map any type of spatial data so that it is interactive, complex and layered with valuable information. Be a specialist in demand in this field that touches a variety of industries from business to health care and environmental sciences. It can be used as a tool within almost every industry, including:
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Businesses like market-driven banking, ultimate client service and asset management
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Engineering like transportation planning, disaster management, use of historical data and terrain analysis
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Urban, rural and community planning
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Climate research, flood damage estimation
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Wildlife conservation, natural resource planning, water management
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Resource development and land management
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News and entertainment support, telecom and network services
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Government administration, taxation
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Health and medical research
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Law enforcement, accident analysis
Applied Research & Innovation Centre
Our GIS courses are also complemented by applied research and innovation taking place on campus at Selkirk Innovates, giving you opportunities to use and understand GIS in current real-world situations. You’ll get essential training, individual access to an advanced workstation, and exposure to projects.
Professional Training & Hands-on Experience
Within our state-of-the-art facilities, you'll get powerful, progressive hands-on experience and classroom instruction in subjects like:
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GIS applications and automation
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Remote sensing
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Internet mapping
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Database development and management
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Customized application programming
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Global positioning systems (GPS)
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3D visualizations
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Data management techniques
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Open source, open data, and related software applications
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Drone data collection and utilization
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- Explain how project management principles support successful GIS projects
- Support a multi-stakeholder environment through engagement with GIS
- Apply strategies that improve communication with the understanding of different audiences through collaboration, public speaking, presentation, technical writing and dialogue
- Exhibit positive, professional behaviours that maximize opportunities for improved relationships and career success
- Acquire, convert and handle different spatial and non-spatial data
- Implement processes to assess and document the source, history, quality, and appropriate use of spatial and non-spatial information
- Explore new solutions; adapt new technology and troubleshooting
- Demonstrate proficiency managing, analyzing, and automating spatial data tools within GIS environment
- Synthesize geospatial data into meaningful results
- Answer relevant research questions effectively
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements for ADGIS and BGIS Programs
- The minimum requirement for entry into the Advanced Certificate, ADGIS, or Year 3 of the BGIS program is successful completion of 60 credits from a diploma/associate degree or applied/academic degree from an accredited post-secondary institution with an average GPA of at least 2.33.
- Successful completion (“C” grade) of a 100 or 200 level introductory statistics course is required for students planning to complete the BGIS.
- International students will be expected to provide documentation of English proficiency as per Policy 8611.
Minimum entry is also possible with equivalent education or work experience, such as a background doing research or using GIS and/or other computer software.
Letter of intent, not exceeding 500 words, stating your background and interest in the field of geographic information systems.
Demonstrated competency in computer technology, including spreadsheet use, word processing, computer graphics and presentations is required. In addition, international students will be expected to provide documentation of English proficiency (refer to the college calendar for requirements).
Applicants may be required to complete modules in mathematics, writing and computer technology skills if knowledge gaps in one or more of these areas are identified by the school chair.
Courses
GIS427 - Project Management
GIS 427 Project Management will focus on skills pertaining to issues surrounding the management of GIS projects from start to finish. Emphasis areas will include description of the project work environment, organizational skills and tools, deliverable oriented performance appraisals, leadership and team orientation. In addition to these emphasis areas, supporting information covering costing, budgeting, meeting preparation, time management and communication skills will be addressed.
GIS492 - Bachelor of Geographic Information Systems Thesis
GIS 492 Bachelor of Geographic Information Systems Thesis involves the design and planning of an independent research project. Tasks include a literature review of the background information, experimental design, data acquisition and management, analysis, and technical reporting (written, visual, and oral). Students will have the opportunity to apply geospatial technology theory and skills to a real world project with an experienced supervisor. Course deliverables will include a project proposal, a proposal poster presentation, four progress reports, a completed geospatial product, a final thesis document, and a thesis defense seminar. This course is normally started in the fall with approval of the School Chair.
You must take:
three (3) General electives (these could be UAS electives or GIS electives)
These electives must be approved by the School Chair prior to registration.
GIS435 - Statistics and Spatial Data Management
GIS 435 Statistics and Spatial Data Management is a two part course that starts with a review of essential statistical techniques and secondly focuses on statistical approaches used in spatial analyses. Emphasis will be placed on integrating practical examples into course exercises and projects. Basic statistical concepts of exploring data, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, one sample, two sample tests, regression, ANOVA, and model building will be addressed using real data and a variety of computer software. Students will explore geostatistical functions such as interpolation, point pattern analysis, kernel density estimation, kriging and trend surface analysis in the second part of the course.
GIS437 - Emerging Trends In GIS
GIS 437 Emerging Trends in GIS. As the vast field of Geomatics and specifically GIS changes and evolves on the technical level, new ways to do things are continually being introduced. To stay abreast of these important changes, Emerging Trends in GIS will focus on exposing learners to practice a variety of current, high-level and technical topics with a focus on the following main areas: Open Source GIS, GIS in the Cloud, mobile applications, ArcGIS Pro and Augmented Reality. In addition, learners may be exposed to integrating ArcGIS functionality within Microsoft Office products, gaming, the incorporation of time (4D) and a general reliance on Location Based Services. Topics may change as industry demands.
You must take:
two (2) General electives (these could be UAS electives or GIS electives)
These electives must be approved by the School Chair prior to registration.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic
International
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
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