Geography and the Environment

Geographic Information Systems certificate

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computerized data management system that allows people to visualize, investigate, and interpret information related to their world. GIS has become increasingly prevalent in industry, research, and academia within a wide variety of fields. Applications of GIS range from creating maps displaying information of interest to using spatial analyses to detect relationships, patterns, and trends in location-based data. As such, GIS can be an essential tool for mapping, research, and decision making.

The GIS certificate program is designed to provide students with the core concepts underlying the use of location-based GIS data as well as the essential software skills necessary for work in both public and private sectors.

This program combines courses in the Geography, Computer Information Systems, and Mathematics departments into a certificate. The program consists of a minimum of 31 credits.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. C or better in one of the following: Pre-calculus 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, MATH 085, Principles of Mathematics 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Pre-calculus 12, MATH 094, or MATH 096.
3. Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Note: Competency in computer skills is required. See the CIS Required Skills section on the CIS department website for details.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall and Winter semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
2. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program duration

The Geographic Information Systems certificate consists of a minimum of 31 credits.

Program outline

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Residency

Students must take at least eight of the credits required in the certificate at UFV.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.