Advanced Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Applications

at Vancouver Island University - Nanaimo Campus Canada

Strengthen your employment opportunities in the expanding field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications with VIU’s Advanced GIS diploma program. Almost every field of study has a spatial component and GIS specialists have a range of career opportunities in areas such as forestry, resource management, urban and rural planning, government, banking, transportation and many more.

VIU’s GIS Diploma program prepares students to capture, map and analyze geographic data using ArcGIS by ESRI GIS software.Students can choose between an 8-month in class program which also includes a work-study practicum and a 16-month online program. 

The Advanced Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Applications Program:-
The Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications provides skills training in geographic information systems (GIS) to university and college graduates who wish to strengthen their employment opportunities in GIS applications – an area that is in high demand around the world.

During this intensive program delivered over two terms, students will learn to use GIS as a spatial informational and problem-solving tool. Content is equally divided between developing hands-on competency in GIS technology and using GIS as a tool in resolving geographic problems through assignments and project work. Students in the program will be well positioned to secure employment upon graduation.

ESRI’s ArcGIS is the main software package used in the delivery of this program. Published materials and instructional courseware packages will provide support for each course. A select number of course modules, available through ESRI’s Virtual Campus, will be incorporated into the delivery of specific courses. Use of these modules enables students and instructors to keep pace with changes in the world’s most popular GIS package – ArcGIS.

All in-class students are required to complete a nine-week GIS project in the second term of the program. The project is intended to provide students with an opportunity to apply GIS knowledge and skills learned in the first term. Each student will be required to select a potential sponsor and develop a project proposal in consultation with the sponsor.

Do you want to make a difference? Nurture the curiosity and development of young children by preparing for a rewarding career in Vancouver Island University’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECE) program.
This flexible full or part-time early child care diploma program offers in-depth theoretical learning and practical experience working with trained early childhood educators to build connections within the industry. The five practicum placements prepare students for careers in licensed early childcare and learning centres, government, early intervention, Aboriginal early learning centres, or schools or post-secondary institutions.
Graduates of the early childhood diploma program have gone on to stimulating careers as early child care assistants and early childhood educator, to name a few.
All enrolled Early Childhood Education and Care students are eligible to apply for a bursary of up to $4,000 per term through the Early Childhood Educations of BC (ECEBC) organization.

The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECE) Program:-
The Early Childhood Education and Care program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in licensed child care settings. Students progress through an interrelated series of courses and practica designed to integrate theoretical learning, awareness of self in relationships, and practical experience in becoming an Early Childhood Educator.

This program is designed to prepare students for careers related to the protection and management of Canada’s fisheries, wildlife, and parks resources. The program is supported by an Advisory Committee made up of management and enforcement representatives from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Provincial Ministry of Environment, BC Parks, Parks Canada, Environment Canada, and from resource user groups. Students are required to participate in a 2-week practicum at an off-campus location in the Fall semester of the second year. Students are also encouraged to seek employment with a resource management and protection agency, or in work related to natural resource enhancement or monitoring, in the summer between first and second year.

RMOT students are assisting various natural resource law enforcement agencies in monitoring illegal activities within the central Vancouver Island area. These patrols allow students first-hand experience in actual field and communication skills required to monitor and report illegal activities. All these activities are closely monitored with appropriate levels of training and coaching from both RMOT instructors and resource officers.

Certified Educational Assistants make a difference in the lives of people with special needs so they can have every opportunity to participate fully in our society, and access education and services that allow them to live to their fullest potential. VIU’s Education Assistant and Community Support program will get you ready for a rewarding career working with people of all ages who have mental, physical and emotional challenges.

This eight-month educational assistants’ certificate program prepares graduates for work in public and private schools, and in community and residential programs for people with disabilities. Students can study full- or part-time, and benefit from hands-on training with experienced instructors who care about your success.

The Community Support and Education Assistant Program
Note:- The Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate program was formerly called the School and Community Support Worker Certificate program.

This program includes both theoretical studies and practical applications for working with people who have disabilities, across the life span. The core and specialty courses provide students with the skills and knowledge to work in schools and community. The program is offered with courses rotated.

Acceptance into the program does not mean that students will be placed into a practicum. Students will be individually assessed as to their readiness for the practicums in terms of skills, knowledge and personal suitability. Placement into a practicum will be at the discretion of the program Chair.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University certificate. This certificate may ladder into other Human Services diplomas and degrees.

Kinesiology is the art and science of human movement, and at VIU, the Kinesiology program is your foundation for careers in education, research, rehabilitation sciences (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and massage therapy), coaching, personal training, sports management, and administration and many others. 

The Kinesiology program provides students with the knowledge and experience to pursue careers in education, fitness/wellness management, movement science, outdoor leadership, rehabilitation sciences, coaching, athlete development, and sports administration. Students will explore the nature of human movement and learn essential skills to improve quality of life through activity and exercise. The program provides a broad foundation in many aspects of kinesiology and exposes students to diverse learning environments and applied experiences including lectures, labs, activity classes, online learning, and applied research and scholarship. 

VIU’s Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies program is so much more than just music to your ears. The comprehensive jazz music program combines academic and performance studies with the latest recording technologies, music production and business strategies that arm you with elite skills to succeed in any and every facet of the music industry.

Vancouver Island University is proud to be one of the leading music production schools, having turned out some of the most successful music makers on the West Coast. Are you our next success story?

The Jazz Studies Program:-

The Jazz Studies program will foster the acquisition of professional skills in a variety of performance genres. It will offer hands-on experience of group music making through ensembles, and promote skills in the fields of: music performance and its study; musical theory and composition; music history in general and jazz music history in particular; theoretical and applied keyboarding; instrumental and choral conducting; theoretical and applied computer technology; multi-track recording and film scoring; theoretical and applied sound recording; library and on-line research; techniques and practices fundamental to the music and entertainment industries; and music as a business.

The program is modular in structure. Students select Music elective courses on the basis of their musical needs, progressing from course module to course module and from year to year. The structure offers students considerable choice and flexibility in fulfilling program requirements. It is supportive of the development of primary musical skills, but flexible and adaptable, and conducive to effective use of space and time.

Upon successful completion of the first two years of the program, students can apply for a Diploma in Music – Jazz.

Vancouver Island University's Post-Degree Diploma in Business Studies (PDDB) is a 1 year post-degree program which provides an opportunity for students who already possess an undergraduate degree to hone their managerial skills to meet the challenges of the global business environment. Students may select concentrations in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Financial Services, General Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management and Leadership, Marketing, and Not-for-Profit Management, or following a consultation with the PDDB academic advisor, take a personalized program of courses that suits their interests.

The program also offers an avenue for students who wish to pursue graduate studies but need to develop a stronger academic background. To ensure a higher degree of success in the MBA program, it is strongly suggested that students take courses from the five disciplines that form the MBA program. The disciplines involved are Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing. For more details, please see the PDDB academic advisor.

Do you have passion for healthy, active lifestyles, and a desire to shape those interests into a rewarding career? VIU’s Recreation and Sport Management program can help you launch a career in the growing sport, recreation, health and wellness industries.

In the program, your learning will benefit from hands-on exploration under the guidance of instructor who care about your success. Take your learning deeper with paid internships and small classes, where you will work closely with other students and your instructors on meaningful community projects.

Graduates find a wide variety of careers focused on building positivity and confidence around sport and community for people of all ages. Explore the Recreation and Sport Management Program Website (link above) to learn more about careers.

The Recreation and Sport Management Program
This program is offered as a mandatory Co-operative Education format with four academic semesters and two paid Co-op placements.

The focus of this diploma program is on the provision of recreation and sport services and products in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within communities. The program assesses the impact of recreation and sport and the environment in order to plan and develop healthy communities. Features of the program include the provision of applied skills and knowledge, direct leadership experience, a co-operative education model (paid employment), and small class sizes.

The program prepares students for career entry; however, students interested in further studies can apply to the third year of VIU’s Bachelor of Tourism Management, Major in Recreation.

Co-operative Education
Under the Co-operative Education format, formal supervised work terms are integrated into the total curriculum on a paid basis. Students will benefit from the experience by:

• Relating academic study more effectively to the field of practice;
• Developing a clearer career focus;
• Gaining valuable practical experience;
• being able to finance a larger portion of their education.

Access to Co-operative Education placements is based on students’ GPA (minimum of 2.33 (“C+”) is required) and their willingness to work as a team member with faculty and Co-operative Education staff to find appropriate placements.
Students in Co-operative Education work terms pay a fee, which is due during the second month of each work term.

The two-year Baking Management Diploma program gives you specialty skills and management expertise, preparing you for a career in the baking and pastry arts industry.

Gain hands-on experience under the direction of our professional chefs in industry-standard baking and pastry labs. In the first year, focus on building a strong foundation of essential baking skills. In the second year, acquire a combination of advanced patisserie training and management skills for job advancement or business ownership.

Unleash your creativity while learning many advanced skills such as:

• Chocolate work
• Blown, pulled and cast sugar pieces
• Special occasion and wedding cakes
• Artisan breads
• Plated desserts

Gain knowledge and skills related to business planning, sales and cost forecasting, marketing and capital costs. Learn how to thrive in the daily operation of a professional bakery. Plan and compile a business plan that is then presented to a guest judging panel. 

Graduates from this program can take their career into many specialized areas of the industry. You may find employment as a:

• Baker
• Pastry chef
• Confectioner
• Chocolatier
• Research assistant in food manufacturing
• Bakery manager in commercial or artisan bakeries
• Restaurant and catering company employee
• Bakery/patisserie owner

The GCIB is a fast paced, intense, integrated, full-time, cohort based program. Depending on graduating grade point average, successful graduates can move onto a Faculty of Management graduate diploma, or other graduate programs. Graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may also apply to the VIU MBA program (work experience required).

Graduates will combine the skills learned in this program along with their other education and experience to seek entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as entry level management positions in a variety of organizations.