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All courses in this program will be delivered online (OA, OS, OR) for the Fall 2021 semester.
Learn more about our course delivery options
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.
This is a two-year, applied degree program consisting of two 15-week semesters in year one, followed by a paid practicum in year two.
The program accepts students into first semester in September as well as January.
Is this the right fit for me?
Typical geographic information systems job placement advertisements suggest that the ideal practitioner has a sound technical background, is self-motivated and 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.
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.
Graduates will often work in teams of various sizes. In the program, all courses require working in teams for projects or lab assignments. This requires good communication and interpersonal skills.
To succeed in the program, you will also need to be comfortable working in a computer environment and have a good working knowledge of file management, word processing and spreadsheet software applications.
Accreditation
Although there are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time discussions are pending with several national-level accreditation agencies.
Credential
After successfully completing the program, graduates will receive a SAIT Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems degree.
Career opportunities
Graduates can job pursue opportunities in several industries including forestry, natural resource exploration, environmental, engineering, consulting, government (municipal, provincial and federal), 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 per year*
Year 1: $6,980
Year 2: $1,850
Year 1 (International): $22,075
Year 2 (International): $5,649
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct 7, 2020.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021.
- Applications for spring 2022 opened on June 14, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 | April 29, 2022 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 | Aug. 19, 2022 |
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 | Aug. 19, 2022 |
Constructing the future
How digital technology is changing the way we learn and work in construction.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020.
- Winter 2022 start: applications are open March 31, 2021.
- Spring 2022 start: applications opened on June 14, 2022.
Admission 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 evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
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 Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
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.
Program completion
- Students in applied degree programs have seven years to complete the credential requirements.
- The time limitation begins on the date the student starts the first course in the credential.
- For more information, refer to AC 3.1.1 - Grading and Progression Procedure.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Third year
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-451 | GIS Data Capture II | 3.0 |
| GEOS-450 | Enterprise and Web GIS | 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 | |
Fourth year
Semester 7
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.
Finding a practicum placement is ultimately the student's responsibility. The BGIS program does not place students with organizations. The students must be prepared to make the effort required to establish contacts within relevant industry sectors that are of interest to them and find their own practicum placement.
- Are you a manager or company owner looking to place a Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems student? Find out more information on SAIT's practicum opportunities.
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- SAIT
- Algonquin College
- Holland College
To learn more, visit transfer options
Costs
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | $5,647 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,980 |
| 4 | $1,079 | $792.20 | $287.77 | $- | $1,850 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | $20,742 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $22,075 |
| 4 | $4,316 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $5,649 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $252
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* 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.
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on Aug. 31 and Sept 2. Watch your inbox for the time and location to choose which session is best for you.
Learn more about our SAIT-wide orientation activities.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to 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.
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.
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 required this term.
Contact
403.284.8367
construction.bgis@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Loanne Benner, Academic Chair
Email: loanne.benner@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.