Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Co-op)
Description
PROGRAM DETAILS
Program Code: GIS1
Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration: 30 weeks
Full Time Offerings
- 2025 September
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
GIS analysts, technicians and specialists are in-demand in both the private and public sector, and require a unique skill set and knowledge of current technologies. Discover a rewarding career with Fanshawe’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program, available in-class or online with courses scheduled Monday to Thursday evenings. Combine hands-on learning with in-class theory and technical training and graduate ready to hit the ground running in your career.
YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The GIS program offers a project-based, software intensive format that focuses on building a foundation in GIS, with the flexibility to focus your studies in your selected area of expertise in geographic data. You’ll have access to our cutting-edge technology that will help you develop skills in remote-sensing, object-oriented programming, spatial analysis and modelling, digital photogrammetry, map projections, web map GIS and CAD skills.
You can also apply your skills in an optional four-month summer co-op work experience with an associated GIS-based employer. GIS placements may include government agencies, GIS software employers, and other private industry companies that use GIS technology. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field and connect with industry partners.
This program prepares graduates for employment in a wide range of land-based industries that utilize spatial and tabular data. The program is project-based, software-intensive, interdisciplinary, and focused on building flexible, current, high-end applied skills. Students will gain mastery of foundational GIS skills and apply leading-edge techniques in GIS Science to create spatial solutions. Remote sensing, object-oriented programming, spatial analysis and modeling, digital photogrammetry, web map/web GIS and CAD skills will all be developed, and students will have the opportunity to apply these technical skills to their own areas of specialization (engineering, social sciences, humanities, community health or other sciences).
Students are required to have a PC laptop computer for all courses and to have internet access whether attending face-to-face classes or online sessions.
Classes are delivered as face-to-face classroom sessions. All classes will be digitally broadcast and recorded. Full-time and part-time students have the option to watch live interactive webcasts or attend classes personally for all courses. All webcasts will be archived so students can review material.
Applicants applying to the Online version of the program should select Campus Code LCL (LCL - London-Online), and should ensure they have appropriate technological capacity to complete the program, including access to a computer, required software and internet access for each course in the program. A CONNECT lab fee is included in the Additional Program Fees stated in the Fee Schedule for students not studying online.
Students should not purchase a laptop computer or software until the College publishes the recommended configuration, models, software titles and versions for that academic year.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- A Two- or Three-Year College Diploma, or a Degree (Note: minimum 'B' average or 3.0 GPA) OR
- Equivalent qualification from another institution with a minimum 'B' average or 3.0 GPA as judged by the College to be equivalent to the above OR
- Professional background and experience judged by the College to be equivalent to the above
COURSES
LEVEL 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- METH-6001 Fundamentals of GIS
- METH-6002 Information Systems
- COMP-6034 Programming Basics-OOP
- COMP-6035 Spatial Data Acquisition
- COOP-1020 Co-operative Education Employment Prep
LEVEL 2
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
- METH-6003 Remote Sensing
- METH-6004 Advanced Analysis in GIS
- COMP-6036 Advanced Programming-OOP
- METH-6005 Web GIS
CO-OP OPPORTUNITIES & CAREER INFORMATION
Co-op Opportunities
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program offers a cooperative education component, which provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand workplace experience in their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of some GIS students before even graduating!
- GIS Mapping Assistant
- GIS Parks Student
- GIS Technologist Student
For more information regarding co-op, please check out our co-op site or contact the Co-op Office to connect with a consultant.
Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Overview

- Institution: Fanshawe College
- Program type: Certificat post-diplôme
- Language: English
- Program Code: GIS1
- Delivery Method: Entièrement en ligne/à distance
Disclaimer:
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.