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Cartography
Overview
Cartography programs teach people to make maps.In this program, students learn to:
- Create maps
- Use math and computers to aid them in reading and designing maps
- Interpret geographic information from photos
- Use scanners and cameras
Cartography programs include topics such as:
- Cartographic theory
- Statistics
- Geography
- Geographic Information System (GIS) – a mapmaking computer system
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
- Computer Science
- Demography and Population Studies
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Geography
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- History
- Library Science
- Political Science and Government
- Public Policy Studies
- Social Sciences, General
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Geographers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveyors
- University and College Teachers
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:
- Advanced U.S. History courses
- Advanced World History courses
- Computer Graphics
- Geography
- Physics
- Probability and Statistics
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:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Advanced Cartographic Methods
- Advanced Geographic Data Analysis
- Demography
- Environmental Remote Sensing
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- History of Geographical Thought
- Introduction to Geographic Data Analysis
- Introduction to Geography
- Physical Geography
- World Regional Geography
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in geography typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
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
- Engineering Technology--GIS
King-Snohomish Area
Green River College
- Natural Resources--Geographic Information System Option
Northeastern University - Seattle
- Geospatial Services
- Urban Informatics
University of Washington - Seattle
- Geography--GIS, Mapping, & Society Option
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Technical Design--GIS Technology
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Geographic Information Systems
Spokane Community College
- Natural Resource Management--Natural Resources Technologies in Geographic Information Systems
- Water Resources Technology--Water Resources Technologies in Geographic Information Systems
Tacoma Area
University of Washington - Tacoma
- Urban Studies--GIS & Spatial Planning