Overview

The M.S. (Thesis) in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin Madison provides a broad foundation in the theory and application of mapping and geographic information sciences. Students who earn the M.S. (Thesis) degree are prepared to continue on for the Ph.D. in geography or for positions in government agencies, planning organizations, environmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and private industry.

Learning outcomes

Articulates, critiques, or elaborates the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry or schools of practice in cartography and GIScience.
Identifies sources and assembles evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in cartography/GIScience.
Demonstrates understanding of cartography/GIScience in a historical, social, or global context.
Selects and/or utilizes the most appropriate methodologies and practices.
Evaluates or synthesizes information pertaining to questions or challenges in cartography/GIScience.
Communicates clearly in ways appropriate to cartography/GIScience.
Recognizes and applies principles of ethical and professional conduct.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Geographical Inquiry and Analysis: Techniques

Cartography

An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Geocomputing

Graphic Design in Cartography

Geospatial Database Design and Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Madison, United States

Disciplines

Geography Geographical Information Systems (GIS) View 175 other Masters in Geography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00
The Graduate School does not require the GRE
Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score. TOEFL scores must be submitted electronically via ETS. IELTS scores can be submitted electronically or by paper
International applicants are required to have adequate financial resources to cover expenses for the duration of their studies at UW–Madison
Transcripts
Application Fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25732 USD / year

≈ 25732 USD / year
Out-of-State

25732 USD / year

≈ 25732 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12404 USD / year

≈ 12404 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $20,714 per year

Living costs

Madison

United States

1015 - 1752 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Cartography and Geographic Information Systems.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Learning outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Madison

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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