CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This programme covers the core subfields of geography—physical geography, human geography and regional geography—while placing strong emphasis on cartography and geospatial technologies. You will study how landscapes form and change, how human societies use space, and how to collect, analyse and visually communicate spatial data.

• Foundations: introduction to physical geography, cultural and economic geography, and regional geography.
• Geospatial technologies: geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, GPS and spatial databases, including hands‑on lab work and use of industry-standard software.
• Cartography and visualisation: map design principles, thematic mapping, information visualisation and web mapping.
• Methods and analysis: field methods, quantitative spatial analysis, statistics for geographers, spatial modelling and geoprogramming (commonly using Python or R).
• Applied and topical modules: urban and transportation geography, environmental and conservation geography, climate change impacts, land-use planning and spatial policy.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior project or thesis, internships with public agencies or private firms, and field trips that apply classroom skills to real-world problems.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements follow CUNY undergraduate standards. Typical applicants will need a recognised high school diploma or equivalent and a competitive academic record. Specific expectations and supporting materials include:

• High school transcript with coursework in mathematics and science recommended.
• Standardised tests may be optional depending on the campus; check the college-specific admissions page for details.
• Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts; prior coursework in geography, GIS, statistics or calculus can be advantageous.
• International applicants should demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.
• Some campuses may request a personal statement, résumé of relevant experience, or letters of recommendation—especially for competitive places or scholarship consideration.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Geography and Cartography have skills that are in demand across public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• GIS analyst/technician: creating and maintaining spatial databases, producing maps and supporting data-driven decision making.
• Cartographer and map designer: designing thematic and interactive maps for print, web and mobile platforms.
• Urban and regional planner: working on land-use planning, transport planning and community development (often requiring further professional qualifications for planning roles).
• Environmental consultant and natural resource manager: applying spatial analysis to conservation, habitat assessment and environmental impact studies.
• Remote sensing analyst: interpreting satellite and aerial imagery for agriculture, forestry, disaster response and climate monitoring.
• Data science and location-based services: roles in companies that use spatial data for logistics, retail site selection, real-estate analytics and public health.

Graduates also often continue to postgraduate study in geography, GIScience, urban planning, environmental science or related disciplines.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers access to New York City as a diverse, dynamic living laboratory for geographic study, with opportunities for internships and partnerships across municipal agencies, planning departments and non-profit organisations. Multiple CUNY campuses host dedicated GIS and cartography facilities and faculty engaged in applied urban, environmental and geospatial research.

• Practical experience: strong emphasis on lab work, internships and applied projects that connect students with employers in the city and region.
• Interdisciplinary options: easy access to related programmes in urban studies, environmental science, public policy and computer science across the CUNY system.
• Professional links: proximity to city agencies, consultancies and research centres provides networking and job-placement opportunities.
• Affordability and accessibility: as a public university system, CUNY aims to provide an accessible route to higher education for a diverse student body.