Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 406 - 606
OSAP Eligible
Overview
Program Highlights
Have you ever wondered why our cities and communities look the way they do? Are you curious to learn about how decisions get made in communities? Or do you want to be part of a multi-discipline team that creates new exciting urban areas?
The Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program will provide you this foundation and knowledge through:
- Laws and policies that shape our urban environments.
- Design with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatially representing data.
- Three-dimensional (3D) visualization software.
Benefit from a full year of work experience with three back-to-back co-op terms.
Have you ever wondered why our cities and communities look the way they do?
Admission
Admission
- OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
- Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
- Grade 12 Mathematics C or U
- Grade 10, 11 or 12 Design Technology courses recommended
Options are available for mature applicants.
Language Requirements for Applicants with English as a Second Language
- See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:
- Successful completion of the GAS-English for Academic Purposes (478 or 278) program
- TOEFL minimum score of 550 (80 Internet based)
- or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5
- More information about acceptable certificates, can be found on the International Admission Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Don't have the necessary requirements?
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees
2024 - 2025 Domestic Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $881.96 | $785.16 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Compulsory Program Fees | $40.00 | $0.00 |
| Domestic Tuition | $1,354.04 | $1,354.04 |
| Total Domestic Charges Per Semester | $2,276.00 | $2,139.20 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $4,415.20 | |
Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.
- Full Cost Breakdown
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the Campus Store
- You will also be required to purchase a laptop (or personal computer, where deemed appropriate). Additional program-specific software and hardware may also be required. Full details will be provided in your classes or at your orientation. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
2024 - 2025 International Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee | $8,525.00 | $8,525.00 |
| Program Compulsory Fees | $40.00 | $0.00 |
| International Tax Recovery | $450.00 | $375.00 |
| Total International Charges Per Semester | $9,015.00 | $8,900.00 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $17,915.00 | |
If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the Campus Store
- You will also be required to purchase a laptop (or personal computer, where deemed appropriate). Additional program-specific software and hardware may also be required. Full details will be provided in your classes or at your orientation. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
Additional Information
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career.
As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.
Available Financial Assistance Resources:
- OSAP Eligible. Learn about Ontario Student Assistance Program - OSAP (domestic students only)
- Working on Campus
- Additional Sources of Funding
- Financial Assistance Home Page
Apply for Awards:
By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.
Financial Literacy:
Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mohawk College is dedicated to helping students improve their financial literacy and become more confident in managing their money.
- Complete the free online Money Matters Module to earn Co-Curricular Credit!
- Financial Resources and Calculators
Program of Studies
Course Overview & Descriptions
Click on the course title for a course description.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
How you’ll gain skills
- Gain hands-on experience through labs and practical projects over four semesters.
- Explore academic content through field trips and site visits.
- Experience interactive simulations.
- Apply cumulative program knowledge through a capstone research project.
- Gain valuable experience during co-op work terms.
To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.
Co-op Format
| September to December | January to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Vacation |
| Semester 3 | Work Term 1 (Co-op) | Work Term 2 (Co-op) |
| Work Term 3 (Co-op) | Semester 4 |
Co-op Delivery and Fees
This program has an optional co-op, as part of the program of study. The annual co-op fee structure can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.
For questions, please contact the Co-op Specialist listed at the bottom of the webpage.
Driver’s License and Vehicle
Please note that the majority of co-op positions for this program require that students have a valid driver’s license ('G' class preferred) and access to a vehicle.
Co-op Work Term Locations
Please note that co-op work terms for Urban and Regional Planning are typically in-person and/or hybrid and require extensive field work.
Co-op Designation
This program offers three co-op work term opportunities but requires two completed co-op work terms for the co-op designation.
Work Term Capabilities
The Urban and Regional Planning Technician – Geographic Information Systems (GIS) diploma program uses an applied learning model that prepares students for real world experience. Work-related simulations form the foundation of courses in applied planning law, site planning, subdivision design and community design.
After completing three full semesters of the program, the student will have acquired sufficient knowledge and specialized skill to perform the following activities:
- Review and process development applications through informed interpretation and application of various land use plans and planning instruments governed by the Ontario Planning Act;
- Prepare site plans and draft plans of subdivision, both manually and with the use of computer-aided drafting (CAD);
- Apply fundamentals of urban design in land use plans;
- Contribute to the production of planning justification reports;
- Utilize the latest Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, basic web development using ArcGIS API for JavaScript, and ArcGIS StoryMaps) to perform spatial analysis, prepare maps and develop basic web apps;
- Utilize GIS to build technical tools from prototype through to launch;
- Prepare research reports by performing basic data collection and presentation techniques; and
- Explain the legal basis of land ownership in Ontario, compare the Registry and Land Titles land registry systems, and identify steps in property purchase and types of land ownership.
| Co-op Pay Range | Co-op Pay Average |
|---|---|
| Range: $18.50 - $25.00 | Average: $21.50 |
For further information, please contact:
Megan Waltenbury, Co-op Specialist
Phone: 365-226-1782
Email: megan.waltenbury [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Megan Waltenbury)
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.
In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Your future career options
- Planning Technician and Technologists
- CAD Technicians
- Surveying/GIS Technicians
Where you could work includes:
- Public and Private Sectors
- Engineering Consulting
- Land Development Companies
- Real Estate and Utility Companies
Opportunities for grads
- Students are automatically enrolled in the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians (CACPT).
Educational Pathways
Educational Pathways
Pathways to Mohawk
If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.
If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. To start a new program at Mohawk, you must apply via ontariocolleges.ca.
Receiving Program
Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Transfer to
You can transfer from the Urban and Regional Planning Technician - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 406 - 606 to the following programs:
Architectural Technician
Architectural Technology
Civil Engineering Technician
Civil Engineering Technology
Civil Engineering Technology - Transportation
Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.
Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.
Tech Requirements
Tech requirements
Technology Requirements
Software
AutoCAD is required for this program. A free download for students is available through the AutoCAD website. To be eligible for this download you must register with your Mohawk email, pass the system requirements test, and provide proof of enrollment (Photo of ONE Card, letter of acceptance, etc.). Note that you can only complete this registration process after your program start date.
Hardware
The Engineering programs recommend the "Best Specifications" as listed on the Student Tech Support Hardware Specifications page.
Note: We do not recommend using a Mac as the software required in this program has many usability issues with their operating system.
Additional Information
Additional Information
View Sample Student Projects
Faculty
Associate Dean: john.van-loon [at] mohawkcollege.ca (John Van Loon)
Program Coordinator
James Horan
Faculty
Contact Us
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*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.
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