Cartography Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
Cartographers make geographical maps using photographs and surveys of the earth's surface. Many schools across the United States offer studies in cartography. Some schools' cartography programs are combined with geography degrees.
How to Select a Cartography School
Cartography is commonly included within geography degree programs, so students might want to consider widening their search from a strictly cartographic standpoint. Other permissible majors include surveying, engineering and forestry. Students should first and foremost look for programs that include the study of maps, since the field requires cartographers to interpret geographical map data. These studies include the principles of map design, interpretation of geographic imagery and computer mapping.
Cartographers spend most of their time in offices using computers; therefore, students need to look for cartography schools that teach them about the most important mapping software and how to use it. Some of these include Microsoft MapPoint and Google Earth. In addition to mapping software, students in a cartography program should be familiarized with Adobe Illustrator, PhotoShop and other programs dealing with graphics.
Computer labs and technology facilities are additional considerations for students selecting a cartography school; they should be state-of-the-art and industry-standard. An integration of lab and course work is optimal. This means students should be able to create portfolios of their cartography work as well as PowerPoint presentations.
Cartography Schools with the Largest Overall Student Enrollment
| College/University | Student Population | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University | 48,039 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 41,620 | 4-year, Public |
| Florida State University | 38,682 | 4-year, Public |
| Brigham Young University | 34,244 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 32,044 | 4-year, Public |
| Texas State University-San Marcos | 29,105 | 4-year, Public |
| Portland State University | 26,382 | 4-year, Public |
| DePaul University | 24,352 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| University of Akron Main Campus | 24,119 | 4-year, Public |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | 22,995 | 4-year, Public |
| Northern Arizona University | 22,502 | 4-year, Public |
| Kennesaw State University | 21,449 | 4-year, Public |
| Ohio University-Main Campus | 21,369 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Memphis | 20,220 | 4-year, Public |
| Western Kentucky University | 19,742 | 4-year, Public |
| Missouri State University | 19,489 | 4-year, Public |
| Saint Cloud State University | 17,430 | 4-year, Public |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 14,913 | 4-year, Public |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | 14,621 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | 14,213 | 4-year, Public |
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