Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, M.S.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides students with a comprehensive understanding of mapping and GIS. Students can specialize in cartography, GIS development, or thesis research. The program prepares graduates for careers in government, planning, environmental agencies, and private industry, as well as doctoral studies in geography.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Science (M.S.)
program in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides students with a comprehensive understanding of mapping and geographic information sciences. Students can specialize in one of three named options:
• Cartography and Geographic Information Systems: Accelerated/Non-Thesis, M.S.
• Cartography and Geographic Information Systems: GIS Development, M.S.
• Cartography and Geographic Information Systems: Thesis, M.S.
• Objectives: The program aims to prepare students for careers in government agencies, planning organizations, environmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry.
Graduates are also well-prepared to pursue doctoral studies in geography.
• Program Description: The M.S.
program offers a range of coursework in cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), and related fields. Students develop skills in data collection, analysis, visualization, and communication. The program also emphasizes the ethical and professional responsibilities of cartographers and GIS professionals.

Outline:

• Course Schedule: The program typically takes two years to complete.
Students in the thesis option must complete 30 credits, including a thesis; students in the non-thesis option must complete 32 credits. Course scheduling typically consists of 10 courses (at least 300-level) spread over two to three academic years (2 to 3 fall and 2 to 3 spring semesters). Students work closely with their advisor to develop an individualized plan of study.
• Individual Modules with Descriptions: The program offers a variety of courses in the following areas:
• Cartography:
Maps and mapping science, data visualization, geovisualization, and digital cartography.
• Geographic Information Systems: GIS principles and applications, spatial data analysis, and GIS programming.
• Related Fields: Remote sensing, photogrammetry, environmental modeling, and geospatial statistics.

Assessment:

• Assessments and Examinations: Assessment methods vary depending on the named option selected by the student.
• Thesis Option: Students complete a written thesis based on original research.
• Non-Thesis Options: Students complete a number of coursework-based assessments, including projects, presentations, and exams.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, labs, and supervised research.
Individualized attention is provided through faculty mentorship and close collaboration on research projects.
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced professors and associate professors, drawn from the ranks of the Geography Department.
Each faculty member has expertise in a specific area of cartography or GIS.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates with a M.S.
in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
• Cartographer
• GIS Analyst
• Geospatial Data Scientist
• Spatial Planner
• Environmental Modeler
• Research Scientist
• Opportunities and Outcomes: The Geography Department maintains strong connections with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies, all of which offer employment opportunities for graduates.
Alumni of the program have gone on to work for organizations such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and ESRI.