Cost & earnings at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Geography graduates earn a median $54,713 Across 171 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master's in Geography and Cartography at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a graduate programme that develops advanced skills in spatial analysis, map design and geographic research methods. It suits students who want a practical, applied grounding in GIS, cartography and remote sensing to work in government, planning, environmental management or to continue to doctoral study.
The programme combines theoretical grounding in human and physical geography with applied training in cartography and geospatial technologies. Typical topics include advanced cartographic design and visualisation, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and image interpretation, spatial analysis and statistics, field methods, and research methods for geography.
Students normally complete a mix of core courses and electives that allow them to tailor the degree toward mapping and visualization, spatial data science, environmental applications, or urban and regional planning. Learning methods include hands‑on lab work with industry‑standard software, map and data projects, field exercises, and a substantial independent capstone project or thesis that demonstrates applied research and professional competencies.
Applicants are generally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in geography or a related discipline (such as environmental science, geology, planning, or computer science) with a satisfactory academic record. Relevant practical experience with GIS or mapping can strengthen an application.
Graduates move into roles that require advanced spatial and cartographic skills across the public, private and non‑profit sectors. Typical job titles include GIS analyst/specialist, cartographer, geospatial data scientist, remote sensing analyst, environmental consultant, transportation or urban planner, and natural resources specialist.
Alumni also work in local and regional government agencies, utilities, consulting firms, environmental NGOs, academic and research institutions, and tech companies that build mapping and location‑based services. The programme’s emphasis on applied projects and a capstone helps students build a professional portfolio to present to employers or to support applications for further research degrees.
Saint Mary’s offers a small, student‑centred learning environment with close faculty mentorship and opportunities for applied, hands‑on learning. The university’s liberal arts foundations are combined with practical training in geospatial tools, enabling students to develop technical proficiency alongside critical geographic thinking.
Students benefit from laboratory facilities, fieldwork opportunities and community connections in the region that can support internships and applied projects. For those seeking a balance of professional preparation and research skills in geography and cartography, the programme provides a pathway into a wide range of spatially oriented careers or further scholarly study.
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