Best institutions to study Geographic Information Science and Cartography
A program that focuses on the systematic study of map-making and the application of mathematical, computer, and other techniques to the analysis of large amounts of geographic data and the science of mapping geographic information.
269 U.S. institutions graduated 4,067 Geographic Information Science and Cartography students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 45.0702, a specialization of Geography and Cartography (CIP 45.07), and leads most directly to the Geographers occupation (BLS SOC 19-3092).
About Geographic Information Science and Cartography programs
A program that focuses on the systematic study of map-making and the application of mathematical, computer, and other techniques to the analysis of large amounts of geographic data and the science of mapping geographic information. Includes instruction in cartographic theory and map projections, computer-assisted cartography, geographic information systems, map design and layout, photogrammetry, air photo interpretation, remote sensing, spatial analysis, geodesy, cartographic editing, and applications to specific industrial, commercial, research, and governmental mapping problems.
See also: 43.0407 - Geospatial Intelligence.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Geographic Information Science and Cartography program focuses on the systematic study of map-making and the application of various techniques to analyze geographic data. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding how geographic information impacts various fields, including government, research, and industry. Students will gain expertise in cartographic theory, geographic information systems, and spatial analysis.
Core coursework includes instruction in map design, photogrammetry, remote sensing, and geodesy. Students will develop essential skills in writing, critical thinking, and science, enabling them to effectively analyze and present geographic data.
Credentials awarded
What Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1,373 graduates / yr · 125 institutions34%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate777 graduates / yr · 78 institutions19%
- Bachelor's degree768 graduates / yr · 61 institutions19%
- Master's degree703 graduates / yr · 67 institutions17%
- Associate's degree140 graduates / yr · 43 institutions3.4%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years130 graduates / yr · 22 institutions3.2%
- Award of less than 12 weeks69 graduates / yr · 12 institutions1.7%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship41 graduates / yr · 13 institutions1.0%
- Post-master's certificate38 graduates / yr · 6 institutions0.9%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years28 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.7%
Graduates over time
Geographic Information Science and Cartography completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,060 |
| 2013 | 1,276 |
| 2014 | 1,556 |
| 2015 | 1,801 |
| 2016 | 1,884 |
| 2017 | 2,207 |
| 2018 | 2,429 |
| 2019 | 2,670 |
| 2020 | 3,061 |
| 2021 | 3,170 |
| 2022 | 3,493 |
| 2023 | 3,535 |
| 2024 | 3,515 |
| 2025 | 4,067 |
Top 50 institutions for Geographic Information Science and Cartography, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon State University Corvallis, ORPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor'sMaster's | 171 | 70% | — | — |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 167 | 34% | — | $46,477 |
| 3 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 122 | 0% | — | $49,267 |
| 4 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicBachelor's | 115 | 85% | — | $42,489 |
| 5 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicMaster'sBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 78 | 68% | — | $42,829 |
| 6 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 76 | 84% | — | $54,204 |
| 7 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 75 | 68% | — | $49,267 |
| 8 | Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MOPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert.Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 75 | 54% | — | — |
| 9 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster'sDoctoral | 74 | 65% | — | $41,052 |
| 10 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 69 | 92% | $26,873 | — |
| 11 | University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 62 | 89% | — | $40,913 |
| 12 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 59 | 63% | — | $42,833 |
| 13 | University of Denver Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master'sBachelor's | 52 | 76% | $29,726 | — |
| 14 | University of California - Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CAPublicBachelor's | 47 | 83% | — | $37,398 |
| 15 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 47 | 90% | — | $42,997 |
| 16 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 44 | 48% | — | — |
| 17 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 42 | 90% | — | $26,801 |
| 18 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 40 | 67% | — | $35,838 |
| 19 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CTPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 39 | 83% | — | — |
| 20 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 39 | 80% | — | — |
| 21 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 39 | 86% | — | $46,477 |
| 22 | University at Buffalo Buffalo, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 38 | 75% | — | $29,390 |
| 23 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster'sPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 37 | 59% | — | — |
| 24 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 36 | 20% | — | — |
| 25 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 52% | — | $40,020 |
| 26 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 35 | 75% | — | $30,645 |
| 27 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 32 | 45% | — | — |
| 28 | Fort Lewis College Durango, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 36% | — | — |
| 29 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 31 | 97% | $22,055 | — |
| 30 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster's | 31 | 85% | — | $40,962 |
| 31 | The Evergreen State College Olympia, WAPublicPost-degree cert.Award of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 41% | — | — |
| 32 | Calvin University Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster's | 30 | 74% | $22,391 | — |
| 33 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 30 | 75% | — | — |
| 34 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 30 | 83% | — | — |
| 35 | Binghamton University Vestal, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 29 | 82% | — | $40,434 |
| 36 | Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 28 | 56% | — | — |
| 37 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 28 | 65% | — | $33,199 |
| 38 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sBachelor's | 26 | 35% | — | — |
| 39 | Unity Environmental University New Gloucester, MEPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 26 | 29% | $19,316 | — |
| 40 | United States Military Academy West Point, NYPublicBachelor's | 26 | 87% | — | — |
| 41 | The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 26 | 76% | — | — |
| 42 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 25 | 50% | — | — |
| 43 | Delta State University Cleveland, MSPublicMaster'sBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 48% | — | — |
| 44 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 25 | 18% | — | $38,714 |
| 45 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 24 | 67% | — | $44,380 |
| 46 | Portland State University Portland, ORPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 24 | 53% | — | $35,330 |
| 47 | University of Idaho Moscow, IDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 23 | 57% | — | — |
| 48 | San Juan College Farmington, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 23 | 37% | — | — |
| 49 | University of Louisville Louisville, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 22 | 61% | — | $37,844 |
| 50 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 22 | 43% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Geography and Cartography field (CIP 45.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 47 states & territories
Where Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates come from. Each state links to all Geography and Cartography programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3092, Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as geographers, cartographers, or geography teachers, among other roles. The job outlook for these positions shows a decline of 3.1%, with approximately 100 annual openings and a median wage of $97,200, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 45.0702
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Geographersprimary SOC 19-3092 | $102,040 | -3.1% Decline | ~100 | Bachelor's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Surveying and Mapping Technicians SOC 17-3031 | $54,240 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~7,600 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists SOC 17-1021 | $81,390 | +6.4% Faster than average | ~1,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1064 | $97,590 | +3.3% About as fast as average | ~300 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Geographic Information Science and Cartography programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
Tools and technology used
Other Geography and Cartography specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Geography and Cartography (CIP 45.07).
Common questions
What is Geographic Information Science and Cartography?+
It is a program that focuses on map-making and analyzing geographic data using various techniques.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn skills in cartographic theory, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work as a geographer, cartographer, or geography teacher, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 3.1%, with a median wage of $97,200.
What is the CIP code for Geographic Information Science and Cartography?+
Geographic Information Science and Cartography is CIP 45.0702 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Geography and Cartography (CIP 45.07). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the systematic study of map-making and the application of mathematical, computer, and other techniques to the analysis of large amounts of geographic data and the science of mapping geographic information. Includes instruction in cartographic theory and map projections, computer-assisted cartography, geographic information systems, map design and layout, photogrammetry, air photo interpretation, remote sensing, spatial analysis, geodesy, cartographic editing, and applications to specific industrial, commercial, research, and governmental mapping problems.
How many institutions offer Geographic Information Science and Cartography programs?+
269 U.S. institutions reported Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 47 states & territories, awarding 4,067 credentials in the year. That is 56.7% of all Geography and Cartography graduates.
How much do Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Geographers occupation, which Geographic Information Science and Cartography most directly leads to, pays a median of $102,040 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Geography and Cartography field report median earnings of $40,020 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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