Program Overview

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Cartography and Geographic Information Systems: Thesis, MS

The Department of Geography offers a thesis-based master of science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, titled Thesis. This program provides a broad foundation in the theory and application of mapping and geographic information sciences.

Admissions

To be admitted to the program, applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program's requirements. The admissions process is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School.

• Fall Deadline: December 15
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): n/a
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Breadth Requirements

This program requires students to have taken coursework in several areas of Cartography to show breadth of knowledge in the field. Most admitted applicants have completed the coursework for the breadth requirements prior to entering the program. Typically, these courses are not seminars. Applicants must have completed the equivalent of one undergraduate-level course in quantitative methods, two courses in mathematics, and two intermediate or advanced geography courses.

Graduate School Application

If your primary sub-area specialization is Earth Systems Geography, Human Geography, or People/Environment Geography, you will need to apply to the Geography MS.

Materials

Upload the following to the online application:

• Three letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose.
• CV
• Unofficial transcripts
• International degree-seeking applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency.
• The online application to the Cartography/GIS MS-Thesis program includes a "supplemental application" in which you are asked to identify faculty with whom you wish to work.
• Submit the online Graduate School Application for Admission and pay the application fee.

Funding

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Named Option Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Mode of Instruction: Face to Face
• Definitions:
  • Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion.
  • Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UWMadison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.
  • Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
  • Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.
  • Online: These programs are offered 100% online.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Other Grade Requirements: n/a
• Assessments and Examinations: A formal thesis is required.
• Language Requirements: No language requirement.

Required Courses

• Core:
  • GEOG 765 & GEOG 766: Geographical Inquiry and Analysis: An Introduction and Geographical Inquiry and Analysis: Techniques (4 credits)
  • GEOG 370: Introduction to Cartography (4 credits)
  • GEOG/CIV ENGR/ENVIR ST 377: An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (4 credits)
  • GEOG 378: Introduction to Geocomputing (4 credits)
  • GEOG 970: Seminar in Geographic Information Science 1 (3 credits)
• Electives:
  • Select two of the following:
    • GEOG 572: Graphic Design in Cartography
    • GEOG 573: Advanced Geocomputing and Geospatial Big Data Analytics
    • GEOG 574: Geospatial Database Design and Development
    • GEOG 575: Interactive Cartography & Geovisualization
    • GEOG 576: Geospatial Web and Mobile Programming
    • GEOG 578: GIS Applications
    • GEOG 579: GIS and Spatial Analysis
• Additional Coursework:
  • Students take courses numbered 300 and up in consultation with their advisor to meet the 30 credit minimum.

Graduate School Policies

The Graduate Schools Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously.

Named Option-Specific Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 6 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: No credits from an undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the degree.

Probation

The Department of Geography expects graduate students to progress through a sequence of benchmarks within prescribed time periods.

Advisor / Committee

The chair (or co-chair) of a master's student's committee is the student's advisor. This individual must be graduate faculty in Geography or affiliated with Geography.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance
• Employee Disability Resource Office
• Graduate School
• Office of Compliance
• Office Student Assistance and Support
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
• Title IX

Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.