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Cartography

Overview

Cartography programs teach people to make maps.

In this program, students learn to:

Cartography programs include topics such as:

In cartography programs, students take courses from different fields of study including biology, geology, and politics.

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in cartography. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

A few schools offer bachelor's degrees specifically in cartography. Cartography is sometimes offered as a concentration in a geography program. Most four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in geography. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several schools offer graduate degree programs in cartography. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree. A doctorate degree prepares people to teach at colleges and universities.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in geography typically includes:

Things to Know

As a cartographer, you can work in many areas, including geology, education, and public policy. You can work for businesses, the government, or schools. Cartographers often combine mapmaking with jobs as statisticians, historians, and librarians.

You can combine your cartography studies with a major in history, archeology, biology, or other fields.

Schools

East Side Area

Walla Walla Community College

King-Snohomish Area

Green River College

Northeastern University - Seattle

University of Washington - Seattle

Kitsap Area

Olympic College

Spokane Area

Eastern Washington University

Spokane Community College

Tacoma Area

University of Washington - Tacoma