University of Kansas

What you'll study

The doctoral programme emphasises original research in geographic methods and cartographic practice. Students undertake advanced coursework to build expertise in areas such as geographic information science (GIScience), cartographic theory and design, remote sensing, spatial statistics, geovisualisation, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and field methods. Programme components typically include a sequence of core and elective seminars, laboratory and technical training, a qualifying examination (or portfolio), and a dissertation driven by an independent research agenda.

• Core topics: advanced GIS and spatial analysis, cartographic theory and visualisation, spatial statistics, remote sensing and image analysis.
• Research methods: quantitative modelling, spatial econometrics, qualitative methods, mixed-methods approaches and experimental design.
• Technical skills: geoprocessing, programming for spatial analysis (e.g. Python or R), database management, web mapping and interactive cartography.
• Dissertation: sustained original research under faculty supervision, culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to gain teaching experience as a graduate instructor and to develop grant-writing, publishing and presentation skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant masters degree (MA, MSc or MS) in geography, cartography, GIScience, environmental science or a closely related discipline. Exceptional candidates with a strong bachelors degree plus significant research or professional experience may also be considered. A solid quantitative background and demonstrable experience with spatial data, GIS or programming are advantageous.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of strong performance in prior university study.
• Research statement/proposal: a concise description of research interests, questions you intend to pursue, and fit with departmental faculty expertise.
• References: typically two or three academic or professional references who can speak to research potential.
• CV and sample work: curriculum vitae and, if available, examples of research papers, maps, code or project portfolios.
• English language: proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, when required by university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Geography and Cartography pursue diverse careers across academia, government and the private sector. Many move into tenure-track faculty positions or postdoctoral research roles; others find roles as senior GIScientists, cartographic specialists, spatial data scientists, remote sensing analysts, urban and regional planners, or environmental consultants. Additional employment destinations include national and regional government agencies, non-governmental organisations, research institutes, technology firms focused on geospatial solutions, and consultancy practices working on natural resources, emergency management, transportation or public health.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers doctoral-level supervision across a broad range of geographic and cartographic specialisms, supported by faculty active in GIScience, spatial analysis and cartographic research. Students benefit from hands-on access to teaching and research labs, computing resources for high-performance spatial analysis, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental science, planning and data science units.

• Faculty expertise: supervisory strengths in cartography, geovisualisation, remote sensing and spatial statistics.
• Facilities: access to departmental GIS and cartography laboratories, advanced computing resources and specialised software used in contemporary geospatial research.
• Research networks: connections with state and regional agencies, research centres and industry partners that enable applied research, internships and collaborative projects.
• Funding and training: opportunities for graduate assistantships, teaching experience and professional development that prepare students for academic and non-academic careers.