Certificate in Geographic Information Science

Geographic information science (GIS) is a relatively new field that uses computer technology to link maps to digital data. Resource managers and urban planners rely on the expertise of GIS technicians when they are making critical decisions about asset management, environmental assessment, development, and harvest. GIS skills are applicable in any organization that maintains assets in the environment. Graduates work with mines and resources, utility companies, First Nations, urban and rural municipalities, and health care agencies, to maintain information with geospatial reference.
Have you ever hovered your computer mouse over a map image and a name pops up This is the simplest of GIS applications. If you have good computer skills, a keen eye for detail, and an interest in project management from conceptual design to rollout, the GIS program could be a good fit for you. With many employment opportunities, now is the time to launch your GIS career. Graduates are working in company offices and remotely.

Your Career
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has an excellent track record when it comes to getting grads into jobs: 80% of GIS grads are working in their field within six months of graduation. They work as GIS mapping technicians, GIS specialists, mapping cartographers, GPS operators, data analysts or remote sensing analysts. With your specialized training in applying GIS to resource management, you can explore job opportunities with a wide variety of potential employers, including natural resource-based industries, First Nations industries, consulting firms, environmental agencies, government departments and municipal agencies.

A GIS certificate from Sask Polytech can also help you move your career forward. Read more about how a few graduates enhanced their education and careers by taking the GIS program.

Grade 12
Minimum 65% average in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 (combined)
Minimum 60% in Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 or 60% in Foundations of Math 30 or 60% in Pre-Calculus 30

Note

Computer literacy is recommended.

Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

Minimum combined average of 60% in Math A30 and B30

IELTS - overall minimum score of Band 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.0 in each component.
TOEFL (IBT) - minimum score of 81 with a minimum score of 19 in each of reading, listening, speaking and writing.
TOEFL (PBT) - minimum test score of 550 with a minimum TWE of 3.5 and a minimum TSE of 50.
PTE - minimum score of 63 with minimum component scores of 50.