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Geographic and Cartographic Sciences logo
George Mason University logo

Geographic and Cartographic Sciences

George Mason University
Information last verified July 2026
Tuition USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Degree MSc
Duration 24 months
Deadline Apr, 2027
Delivery On-campus
Location Fairfax County, United States
Language English

Program Overview

The Geographic and Cartographic Sciences at George Mason University is a MSc programme in Arts & Design over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.

Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.

Graduates of the Geographic and Cartographic Sciences programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

  1. Duration: 24 months
  2. Language of instruction: English
  3. Study mode: On-campus
  4. Tuition: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
  5. Location: Fairfax, United States, United States

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Geographic and Cartographic Sciences programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:

  1. Creative Director
  2. Graphic / UX Designer
  3. Art Director
  4. Curator
  5. Visual Artist
  6. Media Producer

Program Curriculum

Course Structure

  1. Geographic Information System
  2. Quantitative Methods
  3. Remote Sensing
  4. Seminar in Geographic Thought and Methodology
  5. Communication Skills for Scientists
  6. Geographic Perspectives on Complex Natural Resource Management
  7. Socioeconomic Applications of GIS
  8. Spatial Agent-Based Models of Human-Environment Interactions
  9. Fundamentals and Interpretation of Imaging Radar
  10. Introduction to GIS Algorithms and Programming
  11. Geographic Information Analysis
  12. Map Design
  13. The Hydrosphere
  14. The Lithosphere
  15. Terrain Mapping
  16. Automated Cartography
  17. Map Projections and Coordinate Systems
  18. Spatial Data Structures
  19. Introduction to Atmosphere and Weather
  20. Algorithms and Modeling in GIS
  21. Environmental Impact Analysis

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study at George Mason University, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in geography, cartography, or a closely related field. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in geography may be required to take one course in each of the following: physical geography, human geography, and cartography. All applicants must have a course in statistics. The program also requires GRE test scores, three letters of recommendation, transcripts of all college coursework, and a statement of interest in the degree. The GRE requirement will be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. TOEFL scores are required for all foreign applicants. Credit from courses taken at other departments and other universities may be applied to the program with prior approval.Applicants will also need three letters of recommendation and an official report of scores obtained on the GRE-GEN. The GRE requirement may be waived if the student holds a master’s degree from an accredited US institution. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students

Tuition fees: USD 24,170 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 10,232 (Tuition (Year)) — National students

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Contact George Mason University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.

About George Mason University

George Mason University logo

George Mason University

Fairfax County, United States

public liberal arts and research university in Fairfax County, Virginia

University Profile
  • Application Deadline Apr, 2027
  • Start Date Aug, 2027
  • Language English
  • Duration 24 months