Studying for an online cartography program requires discipline, dedication, and self-motivation. However, this incredible learning opportunity teaches you the skills to become a certified cartographer and kick-start a rewarding new career.
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What is an Online Cartography Degree Program?
An online cartography degree program lets you achieve a degree over the internet instead of in a traditional classroom environment. Some schools combine online lessons with hands-on experience at a library or state cartographer’s office.
Most online programs provide coursework, tutorials, webinars, simulations, and one-to-one teaching, You might learn the following skills:
- Designing maps, graphics, layouts, and other visual representations
- Presenting complex geographical information on maps, diagrams, and charts
- Interpreting and evaluating maps
- Specializing in digital mapping techniques and geographical information systems (GIS)
- Using highly specialized equipment such as digital photogrammetric workstations (DPWs)
Upon graduation, you could get a job in cartography, digital mapping, remote sensing, surveying, or photogrammetry for the government or military, a conservationist organization, a surveying company, a publishing house, or another employer.
Why Choose an Online Cartography Degree?
An online cartography degree provides the following benefits:
- No need to commute
- Study anywhere in the world
- Work at your own pace
- Maintain family commitments and work responsibilities
You learn the same skills on an online cartography program as you would in the classroom and demonstrate additional abilities that might make you more attractive to future employers. These abilities include self-motivation, time management, and critical thinking.
When you graduate, you can start an alternative career path in cartography that provides increased earning potential and new employment opportunities.
How Much Does a Cartography Degree Cost?
The cost of a cartography degree depends on the school and educational qualification you want to achieve. A cartography Bachelor’s degree costs around $25,000 in tuition fees, according to College Board. Tuition fees for a cartography Master’s degree are significantly higher. Also, consider the cost of program supplies, registration fees, and any exam fees.
An online cartography degree is typically less expensive than a traditional degree because you won’t have to pay for travel, accommodation or, day-to-day living expenses. Plus, you can study at your own pace and still work full-time.
Like with classroom learning, you can apply for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to reduce or eliminate the costs of an online cartography program. Some employers, especially private organizations, might provide tuition fee reimbursement if you work at their office after you graduate.
How Much Do Cartography Majors Make?
Cartographers and photogrammetrists earn, on average, $72,420 per year (mean annual wage), or $34.82 an hour (mean hourly wage), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Here are the five states with the highest average salaries for cartographers and photogrammetrists, according to BLS:
- District of Columbia: $95,260 per year ($45.80 per hour)
- New Jersey: $94,540 ($45.45)
- Maryland: $90,340 ($43.43)
- New York: $90,040 ($43.29)
- Connecticut: $89,800 ($43.17)
What is the Job Outlook for Cartography Degree Holders?
A graduate with a cartography degree can apply for these job roles:
- Cartographer
- Photogrammetrist
- GIS officer
- Map statistician
The long-term outlook for those with a cartography degree is positive. There will be a 14.4 percent increase in employment opportunities for cartographers and photogrammetrists from 2018 to 2028, according to Projections Central/U.S. Department of Labor. That’s higher than the average across all occupations (a 5.2 percent increase).
Scholarships for Cartography
Eligible cartography students enrolled in an accredited program, whether that’s online or on-campus, can apply for scholarships to reduce the costs associated with their education. Several organizations present scholarship payments to students who demonstrate academic achievement or financial hardship.
- National Eagle Scout Association STEM Scholarship: Awarded to those studying science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) majors like cartography.
- CaGIS Student Scholarship: Given to students who exhibit academic excellence in GIS-related programs.
FAQs About Cartography Degrees
Summary Information
- Online and classroom-based cartography degrees typically take the same time to complete.
- You can study for a cartography Master’s, Bachelor’s, or associate’s degree online.
- You can study for an online cartography degree anywhere in the world.
Benefits of online cartography degrees include:
- The ability to study at home
- No accommodation costs
- Maintain family/work commitments
- The tuition price for an online computer repair program differs based on what program you attend.
- Accelerated computer repair programs are often cost-effective.
- Online cartography programs depend on the school and qualification.
- A cartography Bachelor’s degree, for example, costs around $25,000 in tuition fees, but you won’t have to pay for travel, accommodation, or other living expenses.
- If eligible, you can apply for scholarships and other financial aid to reduce these costs.