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Our online programs admit students three times a year; our in-person master’s degree admits students twice a year. Please review the deadlines below and plan your application accordingly.

All of our programs require 2 letters of recommendation received by the final deadline. You don’t need to get those letters for us; you only need to provide us with contact information for your references. We’ll send those references an email when you submit your application. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application before the final deadline, and make sure your references know to expect an email from us.

We are currently working toward discontinuing the GIS Fundamentals Capstone Certificate program. We anticipate that admissions will be suspended beginning with the Summer 2025 semester. If you have any questions, please contact us.

There is no cost to apply for this program. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check the prerequisites.
   • You should have an undergraduate degree completed by the time you’ll join the program, as well as a GPA of 3.0 or above. (If your GPA is lower, please don’t hesitate to apply anyways—just tell us the story in your statement of interest.)
2. Gather the documents and info you’ll need.
   • Unofficial transcripts. Submit transcripts from any previously completed undergraduate and graduate degrees. Scans or downloads are fine. (You’ll need to provide official transcripts at a later date if you’re accepted into the program.)
   • Contact information for two professional or academic references. You’ll need their name and email address. When you complete your application, your references will automatically receive an email.
   • Statement of interest. Tell us about yourself in a one-page Word document or PDF. Who are you? Where is your career now, and where do you hope it goes in the future? Why are you interested in GIS? Why is our program a good fit for you, and what do you hope to learn?
   • Proof of English proficiency (international students only). See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.
3. Fill out the applications.
   • First, fill out the Special Student Application. Choose GIS FUNDAMENTALS CAPSTONE CERTIFICATE as your Reason for Applying. You do not need to fill out the academic plan box.
   • Then, complete the Supplemental Application. This is where you’ll put in your transcripts, references, and statement of interest.

We are currently working toward discontinuing the Online Master of Science in Cartography & GIS – GIS Development. We anticipate that admissions will be suspended beginning with the Summer 2025 semester. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check the prerequisites.
   • You should have an undergraduate degree completed by the time you’ll join the program, as well as a GPA of 3.0 or above. (If your GPA is lower, please don’t hesitate to apply anyways—just tell us the story in your statement of interest.)
   • You should have completed 1 undergraduate course in GIS, 1 undergraduate course in cartography, and 1 undergraduate/introductory course in statistical methods. If you haven’t completed a stats course, you may still be admitted but will have to complete this requirement prior to taking certain courses.
2. Gather the documents and info you’ll need.
   • Resume. Include relevant work experience, education, professional training in GIS, cartography, or programming skills, and other pertinent information.
   • Unofficial transcripts. Submit transcripts from any previously completed undergraduate and graduate degrees. Scans or downloads are fine. (You’ll need to provide official transcripts at a later date if you’re accepted into the program.)
   • Contact information for two professional or academic references. You’ll need their name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. When you complete your application, your references will automatically receive an email.
   • Statement of interest. Download our template (Word Doc | PDF Form) and answer the four questions.
   • Proof of English proficiency (international students only). See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.
   • Application fee. Please have a credit or debit card ready to pay the $75 application fee. International students are assessed an additional small fee, so the cost is closer to $85.
3. Fill out the application.
   • Complete the Online Graduate School Application. Please make sure you select the following program: Cartography & Geographic Information Systems MS – GIS Development.

Applying for a Fee Grant

The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee grants for prospective students who participated in selected pipeline programs designed to prepare students for graduate studies or who grew up in a low-income family. These grants are currently available to U.S. citizens, permanent resident applicants, and students with DACA status who can document eligibility. A completed application (including any needed verification) must be submitted at least five business days prior to the earliest application deadline to ensure there is enough time to process the request. Find more details on the UW-Madison Graduate School Applying for a Fee Grant page.