Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems – Applications Specialist (Online)
Start Dates:
September 2023
Fleming College is now offering its renowned GIS - Applications Specialist on-line. To be eligible, you must reside in Canada in order to access technical support.
The GIS – Application Specialist Online program is delivered synchronously with the GIS – Application Specialist program. Remote learning classes are scheduled at the same time as students attending in person.
Program Highlights
GIS Specialists help manage the world we live in by better understanding it. Through data integration, modeling, analysis and visually communicating ideas, GIS is used to help make informed decisions that affects every aspect of our planet and the life on it.
The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the most used software tools, analysis techniques and data management from cloud and enterprise databases, workflow automation and how to best display your findings. As well, the program focuses on:
- GIS database development and combining data from file, web and open data sources
- Spatial analysis to understand and explore complex problems using all types of data
- GIS data management that focuses on other non-Esri data sources
- Efficiency of tasks through the automation of repetitive workflows using Python and JavaScript libraries
- Creating interactive web-based programs, printed maps and infographics allowing anyone to understand and explore your findings
Classes are delivered at the same time as students attending the in-person program. In addition to acquiring a hands-on, firm foundation using GIS technology tools, you will have many opportunities for team building, project management, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Since employers are seeking these broad-based transferrable skills, this experience working in technology teams will give you an edge in the workplace.
This three-semester program starts in September with a 15-week semester ending in December, continues in January with another 15-week semester ending in April, and concludes with a seven-week semester starting in May and ending in June.
Not Sure Which GIS Program is Right For You?
The common first semester in the GIS - Application Specialist and GIS - Cartographic Specialist programs gives an overview and understanding of the technologies and diverse skills particular to careers in these fields at the same time as providing a solid foundation in GIS knowledge and skills. The programs share 80% of their curriculum and, subject to enrolment capacity, you can change between Cartographic and Application Specialist programs for semester two.
Why Choose Fleming
With a well-established reputation in industry for producing high-quality graduates, we are constantly evolving to use the latest software and technology to meet current and future demands of the field. An emphasis on applied and real-world learning, along with best-in-class learning environments and faculty that are well-connected to employers, ensures our graduates find good jobs and rewarding careers.
Program Duration
This three-semester program starts in September with a 15-week semester ending in December, continues in January with another 15-week semester ending in April, and concludes with a seven-week semester starting in May and ending in June.
Collaborative Applied Project
You'll spend a significant part of your time in the program doing experiential work - putting theory into practice. A collaborative GIS project in the final semester involves cross-disciplinary teams from the GIS Applications Specialist and Cartographic Specialist programs working together on a project for a business, government, or industry client.
You will work on the collaborative project during the final four months of the program. During the last two months, you will work on it almost exclusively. This is similar to a co-op position, but for marks (not paid). The course is focused on giving you real-world experience with an outside organization and frequently leads to employment opportunities. You will be asked to attend the Open House, where team projects are on display, on the last day of the program, in person, at Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario. So please include the travel costs associated with this in your budget for taking the online program.
Is this You?
Knowing your way around a computer, hardware and software, is definitely high on the list of skills you need to succeed in this field. You should also possess the following:
- interest in ongoing education and upgrading
- creativity
- perseverance (there are many challenges)
- willingness to work hard (a 40 - 60 hour work week in the program)
- energy and persistence
- analytical skills
- problem solving ability
Career Opportunities
Canadian Businessrecently published an article on "Canada’s Best Jobs." The article states:
"The explosion of big data and the growing need for location-aware hardware and software has led to a boom in the field of mapping," concluding that this field is "…poised for growth, with the highest projected demand among the top 20 jobs."
Upon graduation, when combined with your previous education/work experience, you could work in positions as diverse as GIS programmer/analyst, applications specialist/consultant, ecosystem IT manager, utilities manager, database manager, GIS systems operator, and land information manager. The options for career change are strong. You can go back to your previous profession and apply your GIS studies there, or make a move into a new career.
How to Apply:
Apply online to Fleming College through Ontario Colleges Application Service (ontariocolleges.ca). Select Fleming College, GIS Applications Specialist - (Online).
Interested in this program, but not sure about taking it on as a full-time student? Learn about our part-time option here.
Books/Supplies
You will require a computer, internet access and a headset with microphone, earpieces, and USB connectivity. Plan on spending $1000 for books and supplies. You may also be required to pay examination proctoring fees.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Geographic Information Systems – Applications Specialist (Online) must meet the following requirements:
- Undergraduate degree or Ontario College diploma in a related field or equivalent
Applicants who do not meet the requirements listed above who possess a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered on an individual basis.
Recommended (but not required for admission)
- Since GIS is a field of study that makes extensive use of computer hardware and software technology, students entering the GIS-Applications Specialist program must be familiar with computers. While not required, advantageous skills include: introductory level statistics, or finite mathematics, database and computer programming experience.
Technology Requirements
Latest version of windows running on hardware that meets or exceeds the recommended specifications by ESRI for ArcGIS Pro. The latest recommended and optimal configuration can be found on the ArcGIS Pro system requirements page.
Tuition and Fees Detail
Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chart below.
View complete tuition and fees details
Domestic Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $28.93 |
| Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
| Career Services | $14.25 |
| Health & Counselling | $65.17 |
| Health Plan | $290.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
| Program Supply Fee | $155.00 |
| Provincial Advocacy | $2.70 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
| Student Association Governance | $27.47 |
| Student Building Fee | $59.50 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $1,496.40 |
| Total | $2,285.85 |
International Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $28.93 |
| Alumni Fee | $18.24 |
| Career Services | $14.25 |
| Health & Counselling | $65.17 |
| Information Technology Fee | $105.93 |
| International Health Plan | $880.74 |
| Program Supply Fee | $155.00 |
| Provincial Advocacy | $2.70 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.26 |
| Student Association Governance | $27.47 |
| Student Building Fee | $59.50 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $7,048.71 |
| Total | $8,428.90 |
The fees above are for the current academic year for international students. Please note that the fees reflect the Health Plan and Integrated Transportation (Sutherland Programs only) charges for the fall entry point. These charges are applied up front and provide service coverage for a full year September to August. The charges for the winter and spring terms are as follows:
| Health Plan | Intergrated Transportation | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | $880.74 | $365.00 | September to December |
| Winter | $807.79 | $255.50 | January to August |
| Spring | $367.47 | $142.35 | May to August |
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.
Vancouver Island University
Requirement
- Minimum B cumulative program average.
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
- Review the articulation agreement for further details.
- The program is offered as a blended face-to-face or entirely online.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 2nd-year studies of a 2-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the EducationPlannerBC website.
For more information
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