Geography
Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS)
Course-based program
Program overview
The Geographic Information Systems program will appeal to people who are already in the GIS/remote sensing industry, as well as those seeking to acquire GIS knowledge and practical experience to complement their existing specialization. Students without such backgrounds can use the program to build their spatial analysis skills and experience. The program provides a thorough understanding of geographical information concepts and theory, along with exposure to research and application specialties.
Completing this program
- Core Courses: Three courses on topics including remote sensing, spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Additional Courses: Five courses chosen by agreement between the student and advisor supporting the student's research project.
- Research Courses: A course on theoretical issues related to a GIS research topic, and a course on the implementation of a GIS project.
- Conference: Students will participate in the annual department conference by delivering an oral presentation or developing an academic poster (this requirement is suspended for 2021 and 2022 due to COVID restrictions).
- Comprehensive Oral Exit Exam: Students are required to pass an oral examination following completion of all course requirements.
Outcomes
Cartographer, commercial/residential surveyor, environmental consultant, planning and development surveyor, remote sensing analyst, GIS analyst, land surveyor, surveyor tech, spatial data analyst, GIS specialist, map interpreter.
Our course-based Master of Geographic Information Systems program is a professional degree program, which includes a research component. Students intending to go on to a doctoral degree program may be better served in a thesis-based degree program (i.e., MA or MSc), even though some universities may recognize the MGIS degree as appropriate training for doctoral studies
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
Four-year BA or BSc degree in Geography or in any related field that makes use of spatial data. Examples include, but are not limited to: Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geology/Geophysics, Geomatics Engineering, History, Management, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Tourism, Transportation Studies or Engineering, and Urban Studies.
Work samples
None
Documents
A statement of interest outlining the applicant’s goals, motivation for applying to the program, and research area of interest.
A C.V. or resume.
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
March 1 application deadline for applications and supporting materials
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
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