Available Intakes
Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems program will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in one of the fastest-growing sectors of information technology. Geographic Information System (GIS) combines the power of relational database management systems with the flexibility of cartographic display technology and is used for problem-solving and decision-making.
To succeed in the program, you must be comfortable working in a computer environment and have a good working knowledge of file management, word processing and spreadsheet software applications.
This two-year, applied degree program consists of two 15-week semesters in year one, followed by a work-integrated learning (practicum) in year two. For online delivery, students can take the courses part-time such as a couple of courses per semester.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher grades usually experience more success in SAIT programs.
Typical geographic information systems job placement advertisements suggest that the ideal practitioner has a sound technical background, is self-motivated, and is disciplined in achieving results.
Successful geographic information systems professionals are also associated with individuals who can problem-solve through the application of creative and innovative solutions, and provide service based on the concept of continuous improvement.
For on-campus delivery, contact time with instructors in lectures and labs is about 25 hours per week. The average student is expected to spend about an additional 25 hours per week on assignments, studying, and projects.
For online asynchronous delivery, online learning requires more independent learning time from the students. Students spend 10-15 hours per week per 3 credit course in the BGIS program to study materials, do the readings, homework, assignments, etc. It is highly recommended that students take 2-3 courses per semester.
Graduates will often work in teams of various sizes. In this program, all courses require working in teams for projects or lab assignments. This requires good communication and interpersonal skills.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems degree.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can job pursue opportunities in several industries including forestry, natural resource exploration, environmental, engineering, consulting, government, information technology, healthcare and tourism.
Potential positions include:
- GIS technologist
- GIS technician
- GIS analyst
- GIS specialist
- GIS team leader or manager
Related careers include:
- geological technician
- field heat treatment technician
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 3: $8,170
- Year 4: $2,510.59
International total 2023/24
- Year 3: $23,734.60
- Year 4: $5,803.41
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Industry Mentorship Program builds confidence and inspires career paths
SAIT graduate Kori Ford (GIS ’17) and current student Jorden Fanson share the benefits of their involvement in the Industry Mentorship Program.
Admission requirements
Program requirements
A two-year diploma from a recognized Canadian college, technical institute or equivalent, or successful completion of two years at a recognized post-secondary academic institution.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
Year three
Semester 5
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-415 | Professional Communications | 1.5 |
| GEOS-406 | Geospatial Project Foundations | 1.5 |
| GEOS-409 | GIS Data Capture I | 3.0 |
| GEOS-410 | GIS Data Manipulation and Transformation | 3.0 |
| GEOS-418 | GIS Data Modeling | 3.0 |
| GEOS-419 | GIS Data Analysis and Output | 3.0 |
| Semester 5 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 6
| Course code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| GEOS-450 | Enterprise and Web GIS | 3.0 |
| GEOS-451 | GIS Data Capture II | 3.0 |
| GEOS-456 | GIS Programming | 3.0 |
| GEOS-457 | Cartography and Geovisualization | 3.0 |
| GEOS-459 | Applied GIS Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 6 total | 15.0 | |
| Third-year total | 30.0 | |
Year four
Semesters 7 and 8
After completing all third-year academic requirements, students must successfully complete an 800-hour work experience practicum to meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems degree.
| Course name | Credit | Course code |
|---|---|---|
| GEOS-540 | Applied GIS Directed Field Studies | 30.0 |
| Fourth-year total | 30.0 | |
| Program total | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | $6,600 | $948 | $622 | $8,170 |
| 4 | 2 | $1,260.59 | $628 | $622 | $2,510.59 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | $22,164.60 | $948 | $622 | $23,734.60 |
| 4 | 2 | $4,233.41 | $948 | $622 | $5,803.41 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Fall 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on August 31. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a workstation hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.bgis@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Verda Kocabas, Academic Chair
Email: verda.kocabas@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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