Geographic Information Systems GIS
Moderate workload
- Four courses in your first semester
- 1 - 2 hours of study or project work required for each hour in class
- 20 hours of class (40 - 60 hr/week commitment)
Holland Code: R (Realistic)
What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?
This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.
General requirements
- This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to have a college diploma or bachelor’s degree or five years related work experience to enter the program.
- Moderate computer skills required, program uses computer-aided design (CAD), object-oriented programming, spatial analysis and modeling, digital photogrammetry, web map/web GIS
- There is a near even mix of individual and collaborative work
What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?
- Maturity; ability to focus / concentrate
- An interest in serving the public
- An interest in the analysis of natural phenomenon and social issues
- The ability to consider a situation from many competing points of view
- Analytical skills and decision making skills
- The ability to work in a team environment
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Organizational and time management skills
What kind of work could I do when I graduate?
Graduates of this program may go on to become a
GIS application specialist, GIS programmer analyst, GIS analyst, GIS Specialist, Spatial Database Specialist, GIS Researcher or GIS Web Application Developer.
Typical working conditions for this kind of work
- Office environment
- Regular work hours
Places you may find yourself employed include
GIS software industry, government agencies, or any private industry using geo-spatial technologies.
Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace
- Data analysis and management
- GIS web development
- Cartographic development
Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity
Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program
- URISA: The Association for GIS Professionals
Opportunities for further development or education
- Geomatics
- Advanced database management, programming, GIS analysis in other software (Microstation, AutoCAD, Intergraph)
Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.
NOC Codes
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Visit the National Occupation Classification website and use the NOC codes below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.
- NOC Code 2255 Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology
The Canada Job Bank is an excellent resource for labour market information including wages, jobs available and career planning advice.
Career Outlook
Explore Fanshawe Career Coach to learn more about related careers, employment, job postings and current local data on wages.
Last Modified: January 15, 2024