MS Cartography and Geographic Information Systems at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Programme overview

The Department of Geography offers a thesis-based master of science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, titled Thesis . In addition, it offers two professional non-thesis options in the Cartography and Geographic Information Systems MS titled: GIS Development (online program) and Accelerated/ Non-Thesis (in-residence program). Information about facilities, supporting faculty and staff, and program requirements for all graduate programs in the department can be found in the Geography listing in this catalog.

Department: Geography | Duration: 30 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Madison, WI, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 30 credits. Learning outcomes: Articulates, critiques, or elaborates the concepts, theories, methods, and/or approaches to design and inquiry in Cartography and GIScience. Identifies sources, assembles evidence, and/or builds justification for addressing questions or challenges in Cartography and GIScience.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Students apply to the Master of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems through one of the named options: Accelerated/Non-Thesis, MS GIS Development, MS (suspended summer 2025, discontinued fall 2027) Thesis , MS

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms (spring, summer or fall) vary by programme and are listed on each programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. An applicant may have active applications in only one entry term at a time.

Application deadlines vary by programme and are listed on the programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. Applications are submitted through the Graduate School application portal. The application fee is $75 US, non-refundable, payable by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit/ATM; international applicants pay an extra $6 processing fee. Up to three programmes in the same entry term can be applied to for one application fee.

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