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As greater members of universities and colleges enter the distance learning arena, strategic alliances between academic institutions and private sector businesses are increasing. Various models of academic/business alliances that emphasise the strength each partner brings to the collaboration have been discussed in the literature. This article proposes an alternative to these bipartite models: a tripartite model in which the academic institution, the business institution, and the students are equal partners in the learning process. Using cartography as a metaphor for this model, the strategic alliance between Marygrove College and Canter and Associates to provide a comprehensive distance learning master's degree program is discussed. The article describes the challenges this alliance has faced and offers prescriptions for continued success and future growth.