The M.S. degree in Geography with an Concentration in Cartography and GIS is appropriate for those whose work is focused on spatial mapping and analysis. Beyond the core requirements specified for the General MS (10 credits), an additional 16 credits are required (19 if the Methods course is not a GIS class), and electives as needed to complete the 34 to 40 credits for the degree. Successfully complete and defend a thesis or one or more papers (i.e., articles) of publishable quality before an examining committee. Successfully complete and defend a professional paper or one or more papers (i.e., articles) of publishable quality before an examining committee. The difference between a thesis and a professional paper is that while the thesis is directed toward advances in the discipline, the professional paper may be directed toward advances in the profession. A professional paper may also consist of one or more papers of publishable quality intended for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.