Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

at Algonquin College - Pembroke Campus Canada

The one-year Action Sports Park Development Ontario College Certificate program offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience at Algonquin College`s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke. This program provides you with skills that are essential for the design, development or management of action sports facilities, such as:

• Resort terrain parks
• Skate and ride parks
• Dirt jump and BMX tracks
• Bicycle skills parks
• purpose-built mountain bike trail systems
• Municipal action sports facilities

Learn about construction, maintenance and program planning specific to these facilities. Develop business skills such as event planning, marketing, and risk management to succeed in many areas of the action sports industry.

Spend 40 per-cent of your time in the field training. You have the unique opportunity to explore action sports parks in the Ottawa Valley and learn from real-world examples.

Acquire and practice skills that are relevant to the action sports industry, with courses such as:

• Bike Park Maintenance
• Snow Terrain Park Maintenance
• Sustainable Single Track Trail Construction
• Ramp Fabrication

Upon graduation, benefit from having a certificate that reflects a program unlike any other in Canada. You also earn built-in certifications that can enhance your career options, including safe chainsaw operation and welding.

Graduates may find employment as a(n):

• Action sports program coordinator
• Snow terrain park staff member
• Indoor/outdoor action sports facilities
• Trail maintenance crew member
• Municipal action sports park
• Action sport event staff/coordinator
• Action sport facility designer
• Four-season resort action sports park and facilities

Graduates may also find work with a park builder using private facilities, contracted-builders and municipalities.

The two-year Computer Systems Technician Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career in information technology with a focus on network and system administration.

You learn to set up, configure and maintain all components that constitute an effective network: computer hardware, operating systems, networking and virtualization technologies, security and task automation. In addition you develop problem solving skills and troubleshooting techniques to help support an IT infrastructure. Throughout the program, you also develop your oral and written communication skills, customer support, and ethics relevant to the information technology workplace.

As a student in this program, you have access to the latest software and equipment including Cisco and Aruba hardware labs, network-based operating systems, including Microsoft and GNU/Linux, as well as other industry-standard tools and resources.

This program offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience by taking part in back-to-back cooperative education (co-op) work terms (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. If you elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program, you may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Upon graduation you may find employment opportunities in a wide range of sectors including government, private and public for entry-level positions or self-employment in: network and systems administration; IT infrastructure installation, migration, and support; technical and customer service support; and computer training and consultation.

The two-year Environmental Technician program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, offers theoretical and extensive practical education in all areas of environmental sciences.

You explore the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physical science and engineering as you learn to collect, measure and analyze variables commonly considered in environmental studies. Gain field and laboratory experience in soil, water and air testing as you develop a basic knowledge of:

• Freshwater environment systems
• Soils and land forms
• The chemistry of pollutants
• Ecological processes

Use the appropriate tools and equipment needed in biology, hydrology, ecological field sampling and analytical chemistry.

This program includes applied research projects that allow you to apply skills and theory to real environmental issues, all while supporting important community initiatives, such as:

• Water quality monitoring and implementation of agricultural best management practices in the Muskrat Lake watershed
• Soil testing, weather/climate monitoring and pest/disease surveying for a local vineyard.

Benefit from the opportunity to gain more than 20 certifications in various preferred specialties including provincial certification in water and wastewater operation, electrofishing, and geospatial analysis.

The one-year Geographic Information Systems Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with knowledge and skills relating to geographic and cartographic science, with a focal point on information systems technology.

In this program, you use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to explore topics such as:

• Field data collection
• Programming
• Remote sensing
• Enterprise geo-database design and management
• Cloud-based services
• Application development
• 2D and 3D cartographic design
• Spatial analysis and project management

A key part of this program is the independent project that you begin in your first semester and complete throughout your studies. You identify an area of interest, develop a project proposal, and then implement and complete your project, all in collaboration with an industry or government sponsor.

Cooperative education (Co-op)    
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and facilitates the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to re-locate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses.

Construct your future.

The one-year Carpentry and Renovation Techniques Ontario College Certificate program prepares you for a future in construction, whether you pursue apprenticeship training, employment as a framer or finisher or just want to tackle a few projects around the house.

You acquire a well-rounded education, combining traditional carpentry skills with newer technologies. Algonquin College`s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke is a great place to learn, as you have access to high-quality tools in a state-of-the-art shop.

Gain knowledge and skills in:

• Hand and power tool usage
• Carpentry/framing techniques
• Blueprint reading
• Welding
• Hoisting and rigging
• Plumbing
• Applied construction geometry
• Mathematics
• The Ontario Building Code
• General and specific safety training

Throughout this physically demanding program, explore the latest green technology and energy-efficient construction techniques. Apply your construction skills to building projects that will help local communities.

There is an anticipated shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry as a result of an aging workforce and local expansion. That means there are many opportunities for employment available to graduates. With this certificate, you may pursue a specialized education in construction, or seek exemption from the Basic Level of the General Carpenter Apprenticeship training.

Graduates may find work as a(n):

• Apprentice carpenter
• Construction framer
• Interior systems installer
• Exterior systems applicator
• Renovator
• Door and window installer
• Concrete form worker
• Deck and porch designer/builder
• Junior construction site supervisor
• Junior estimator

The two-year Outdoor Adventure Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for working in the outdoors, leading adventure trips and teaching outdoor skills. Half of your time in the program is spent outdoors, in a variety of locations and adventure operations, including our partner training location at Wilderness Tours. The other half takes place at Algonquin College`s Waterfront Campus.

Complete technical training in various land-based activities from mountain biking and rock climbing to skiing and ice climbing. You also build guiding ability in water-based activities, such as:

• Whitewater rafting
• Kayaking
• Canoeing tripping

This program is built around an adventure tourism and small business management curriculum, with classroom courses in:

• Risk management
• Business management
• Ecotourism
• Human resources
• Computer applications

The two-year Office Administration - Executive Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 43 weeks, prepares you for a rewarding career as an administrative professional in the public or private sector.

Develop essential skills through extensive applied practice in a simulated office in the areas of:

• Human resources
• social media
• Office management
• Domestic and international travel
• Event planning
• Finance

Enhance your MS Office suite abilities through document production, transcription, desktop publishing, accounting practices, and database and project management. You also have the opportunity to participate in an executive administration environment work placement, allowing you to practice your skills.

Upon graduation, you may find employment within a variety of office environments such as corporations, government, associations and small businesses.

The two-year Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety Ontario College Diploma program is the only program of its kind in Canada. In this program, you learn to monitor radiation levels and implement preventive measures critical to ensuring the safety of employees and members of the public, and providing for protection of the environment.

Learn to effectively complete important tasks focusing on radiation safety, such as detecting and measuring radiation levels, mitigating contamination hazards and providing guidance and information to personnel to control contamination and minimize radiation exposure.

Gain theoretical and practical understanding of nuclear operations fundamentals, radiation detection and measurement, instrumentation and techniques, waste management, contamination and decontamination procedures, and incident assessments. Your courses focus on regulatory frameworks and compliance with internationally accepted radiation protection principles.

Learn from nuclear industry professionals who have years of experience. This program benefits from a partnership between Algonquin College and Bruce Power, Ontario`s largest private electricity generating company.

Benefit from the opportunity to complete industry-recognized certifications in this program.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Graduates may find employment in:

• Nuclear power plants
• Nuclear-based research and development facilities
• Decontamination/waste storage facilities
• Uranium mines/mills
• Radiation protection contract companies
• Isotope production/refinement facilities
• Hospitals that use radioisotopes
• Universities with radiological labs
• The oil and gas industry concerned with naturally-occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) management

Graduates may work in roles such as:

• Contamination monitor
• Radiation protection technician
• Radiation surveyor
• Health physics technician
• NORMs technician

Develop valuable business skills, get the big picture and learn to think like a leader.

The two-year Business Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with a well-rounded education in multiple areas of business - from finance, accounting and marketing to operations management and human resources.

Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you develop essential business skills, such as:

• Persuasive presentation and communication skills
• Standards of excellent customer service
• Advanced business computer applications
• Problem solving

Complete projects that reflect real business responsibilities, including participating in a mock trade show and completing a professional business plan.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

This flexible diploma gives you many options after graduation. Graduates may find work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, both domestic and international, including:

• Manufacturers
• Financial institutions and insurance
• Government offices
• Retailers
• Manufcaturers and non-profits
• Medical facilities

Graduates may be employed as:

• Entrepreneurs
• Marketing assistants
• Accounting support personnel
• Management trainees
• sales managers

You may also choose to specialize your education after graduating, taking advantage of several articulation agreements that allow you to progress to advanced diplomas and degrees.

Computer Programmer offered at Algonquin College is a two-year program and prepares the students to work in the field of software development, database administration and design and program development strategies using object-oriented modeling). 

The curriculum includes courses like object-oriented analysis and design, database design, implementation, and administration, coding in integrated development environments, in applications programming, debugging, testing, and maintenance of code, programming languages, operating systems, mathematics, oral and written communications.

In the final year, students participate in a program-culminating real-world team project through the Algonquin College Applied Research and Innovation department and an individual project exploring programming languages.

The School of Advanced Technology offers the students with the latest and state of the art infrastructure and computing facilities like Linux-based workstations and Windows, linked in an internal wireless network with access to the Internet. The students work with leading industry software products, such as CASE tools, programming languages (Java, COBOL, SQL, PHP, JavaScript), Oracle and operating systems (Windows, Unix/Linux and Android) in a networked environment. The course also offers the qualified students (minimum GPA of 2.7) an option of two paid co-operative work terms to gain valuable work experience and networks within the industry.