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Cartography & Geographic Information Systems: Accelerated/Non-Thesis MS

Master of Science in Cartography & Geographic Information Systems

A visualization of the world map on a computer screen,

Is this program right for you?

Enjoy storied Science Hall and network in-person while strengthening your competence in GIS applications and developing your cartographic design portfolio. With our strong focus on skill-building, you’ll earn your Accelerated/Non-Thesis Master of Science in Cartography & GIS in as little as one year—no need to spend an extra year on research and thesis writing.

  • Complete this in-person program in as little as one year, integrating everything you learn in a project-based practicum capstone course
  • Choose the electives that make the most sense for your personal career goals, focusing on cartography, spatial analysis, geodatabase management, and more
  • Our highly interactive program includes options to complete hands-on group and community engagement projects, as well as ample networking opportunities

Education that works for you

Study at the birthplace of American cartography. The UW–Madison Non-thesis Master of Science in Cartography and GIS is an immersive program that can be completed in as little as one year.

Program type

Master’s degree

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Master of Science in Cartography & Geographic Information Systems

Commitment

3 semesters

Tuition

$900 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

30- 32 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for Fall and Spring terms.

STEM opt eligible

Yes

International eligibility

Yes

Application deadlines

Fall 2025

  • Deadline: June 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline: April 1, 2025
  • International deadline: April 1, 2025

Spring 2026

  • Deadline: October 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline: August 1, 2025
  • International deadline: August 1, 2025

Fall 2026

  • Deadline: June 1, 2026
  • Priority deadline: April 1, 2026
  • International deadline: April 1, 2026
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

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Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have completed one course in quantitative methods or statistics. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of interest
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

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Results that work for you

Cartography & Geographic Information Systems: Accelerated/Non-Thesis MS

$62,000

Market salary in 2019. Source 1: Lightcast™ 2022 and alumni survey data. Source 2: What Can You Do with a Geographic Information Systems Degree?

Job titles

  • Geographic Information Systems analyst1
  • Geographic Information Systems specialist
  • Geographic Information Systems technician
  • Cartographer
  • Geographic Information Systems developer

Top industries

  • Government (federal, state and regional)
  • Surveying, engineering and construction
  • Utilities eElectrical, telecommunications)
  • Academic
  • Environment and natural resources

What you’ll learn

Master the science of maps with the Cartography & Geographic Information Systems: Accelerated/Non-Thesis MS program. You’ll utilize geocomputing, spatial databases and data analytic to create impactful maps and solve geographic problems.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Geocomputing
  • Quantitative methods
  • Graphic design
  • Spatial databases
  • GIS & spatial analysis
  • Data analytics
  • GIS programming
  • Cartography
  • Esri ArcPro
  • QGIS
  • Python

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