Domestic students
$3,061.78
total program cost
GIS Essentials Microcredential
Program at a glance
Credential
Micro-Credential These programs focus on practical, employment-oriented or instructor-focused training. They support skill development for teaching, leadership or workplace advancement.
Delivery mode
Distance Distance
Time commitment
Online Online
Duration
TBD
Program codes
- Code: MCGISE
Cost
$3,061.78 total program cost Domestic students: $3,062 for the entire 1-year program
Location
- Distance Full program offered in Distance
Available for
- Domestic students
Program features
TBD
Program overview
About the program
Take the first step toward a rewarding career—the GIS Essentials microcredential through InspirED at Okanagan College can take you there! In the 175-hour program, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of map creation using ArcGIS software and cartography while gaining the hands-on skills that employers value. From private industry to consulting and government, this program opens doors to exciting opportunities.
Our program has evolved - formerly known as the Advanced GIS Certificate, we now offer a suite of stackable microcredentials designed to provide greater flexibility and targeted learning. Start with the GIS Essentials Microcredential, then build your expertise with the Advanced GIS, 3D Modeling and Remote Sensing in GIS, and/or the GIS Database Management microcredentials. Tailor your education to your goals and industry needs!
Q1 What is the deadline to apply?
The application period ends when the program is full. It is strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid being waitlisted.
Q2 Is this an online program?
Yes, the entirety of the program is delivered online.
Q3 What are the tech requirements for the program?
Tech requirements can be found here.
Shelley Desautels, BA, Adv. Dip. GIS
Desautels has worked in the GIS industry for over 9 years and runs her own mapping and consulting firm. She has a Bachelor of Arts – Geography degree, plus an Advanced GIS Diploma from BCIT. Her favorite part of teaching the GIS Certificate Program is seeing the growth of her students from a basic understanding of GIS to a skill level that is fully ready to enter the work force by the end of the course.
Tammi Mills, B.Sc.
Mills completed her B.Sc. in Archaeology and Geography at the University of Lethbridge in 2009 with a concentration in GIS. She then continued on, earning a Master’s degree in Archaeology where she used the GIS to spatially analyze an archaeological site in southern Alberta. Tammi then went to work in the archaeological consulting field for over 10 years where the preferred mapping software was ESRI’s ArcGIS. Using her skills from university, Tammi was able to assist with large and small-scale mapping projects for clients. During her studies and while working in the consulting community, Tammi was also able to work with First Nation’s and indigenous communities in Northeastern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. After taking a brief hiatus from the archaeological community, Tammi is excited to be continuing her education with a PhD in Remote Sensing at the University of Lethbridge. Her preliminary research will focus on the use of LIDAR, structure from motion and thermal imaging, and will be exploring the utility of these systems in identifying and surveying archaeological sites.
Through a blend of theory and practice, learners in the 175-hour Geographic Information Systems Essentials Microcredential will gain an in-depth understanding of how to create maps using ArcGIS software and the fundamentals of cartography; identify and work with the datasets used in Geographic Information Systems; the basics of project management; and various data collection methods. The essential skills learned in this micro-credential will prepare students for various employment opportunities in private industry, consulting, government, forestry, First Nations and mining sectors.
This microcredential is the pre-requisite to the Advanced Geographic Information Systems, Geographic Information Systems Database Management, and 3D Modeling and Remote Sensing in Geographic Information Systems Microcredentials.
Tuition and fees
- Domestic students: $3,062 for the entire 1-year program
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Check if this program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid and Awards
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All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.