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Master of Geographic Information Systems (MGIS) Course-based with Research Component

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Faculty of ArtsGeographyFaculty of Graduate StudiesMGIS - Master of Geographic Information Systems
Completion requirement

The MGIS requires 30 units of courses*. At least 24 units of these must be at the 600 level or higher; the remaining 6 units may be at the 500 level. These will include:

a) Three core courses (9 units) in Geographic Information Sciences in the areas of Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems:

Complete ALL of the following Courses:
  • 1209451
    AND
    1209491
    AND
    1209551

b) Two research-based courses (6 units) related to the area of Geographic Information Science:

Complete ALL of the following Courses:
  • 1209631
    AND
    1209641

c) Five additional courses (15 units) approved by the Graduate Program Director.


* Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Technology may receive laddering credit for the 12 units of coursework completed in the certificate program if they are subsequently accepted to the Master of Geographic Information Systems within five years of beginning the certificate.


Participation in the annual graduate student Department conference is strongly recommended.


For course-based students, departures from regular departmental program/course requirements may be recommended on an individual basis with approval from the Graduate Program Director.

Completion requirement

Advanced Credit

The applicant must make advanced credit requests as part of the admission process. Credit will not be given for course work taken as part of another completed degree/diploma or for courses taken to bring the grade point average to a required level for admission.


Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

The department of Geography will not permit the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course offered by the Department of Geography.

Students may not choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will affect students' eligibility for internal awards.


Credit for Undergraduate Courses

MGIS students are allowed a maximum of 6 units credit at the 500 level.


Time Limit

Expected completion time is 20 months and maximum completion time is six years.

Completion requirement

Comprehensive Examination

MGIS comprehensive examination will be held as part of course and be based on project and course work. MGIS students will be examined on their comprehensive understanding of course material and their integrated professional knowledge/conception of geographic information science. Details about the timing and structure of the comprehensive examination can be found in the Department of Geography’s Course-Based Program Handbook. Please contact the Graduate Program Director to request a copy of the Department of Geography’s Course-Based Program Handbook.

Completion requirement

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