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What is Survey Technology?

Survey Technology is a field of study in focused on the assessment, analysis, and technical skills involved in modern day surveying.  The Survey Technology degree track prepares students to effectively:

  1. Identify, problem solve, and solve a variety of survey technology problems
  2. Conduct standard tests and measurements
  3. Apply math, science, technology, and engineering to survey technology
  4. Effectively communicate, written or orally, with a non-technical and technical audience
  5. Work under specific time-tables and manage time effectively

A surveyor can work for a municipality, general contractor, corporation, or be self-employed.  The specialized skills needed to be a surveyor is generally the same from industry to industry.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Survey Technology Degree

University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers a program in Geomatics. In this program, students will learn how land, infrastructure and natural resources are measured, analyzed, then integrated into usable forms and systems. They will have the opportunity to work with field equipment and in high-tech classrooms which results in earning hands-on experiences. Majors of Geomatics will choose to complete a specialization in Surveying and Mapping or Geospatial Analysis. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Surveying Technology degree online is offered at Ohio State University, so the entire program is now available to students worldwide through the internet. Students in this program will learn about surveying fundamentals, geodesy, and photogrammetry. This program will also teach about remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Global Positioning System. Other topics that are included are Computer-aided Design, Least squares adjustments, residential subdivision design, route surveying, and legal principles focused on Public Land Survey System.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

WIT or Wentworth Institute of Technology offers a Certificate Program in Professional Land Surveying. This is designed for professionals currently working in the land surveying field who want to become a registered Professional Land Surveyor in Massachusetts. Competencies learned will be survey calculations, field measurement, evidence gathering and assessment, boundary determination, publication and presentation of final survey results as well as the applicability of emerging technologies. For more information you may visit the schools primary web portal today.   

Acceptance Rate

68.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers a program for A.A.S. in Land Surveying Technology. Students in this program obtain a sound technical background in fundamental land surveying techniques, principles and skills. They are trained to become well-rounded technical specialists that are capable of communication and problem solving, and teamwork. Their students also developed life-long learning skills and abilities. This program assures the students that they will be provided with a combination of surveying and land resource knowledge with related skills that are not available elsewhere.

Acceptance Rate

69.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred ranked no. 3 in the US colleges with Surveying Technology. The Surveying & Geomatics Engineering Technology program that they offer teaches students about the fundamentals of surveying and software analysis by using exciting technologies like GPS, GIS and LIS. Surveying Studies can be taken for an AAS degree or a BS degree. These programs are best suited for individuals who seek for an active and well compensated career.

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Geomatics Engineering and Surveying degree is currently offered at California State University – Fresno. This is the first four-year nationally-accredited program in the nation and is the only one of its kind in California. Some of the common Geomatics Engineering occupations are Land Surveying, Space Exploration, Transportation, Emergency Mapping, and Oceanography. Graduates of this program developed a continuing commitment to lifelong learning.

Acceptance Rate

57.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

The Department of engineering Technology & Surveying Engineering at New Mexico State University offers a degree in Surveying and Geomatics. Students here learn how to analyze, design, and execute surveying and mapping projects that help define the world we live in. This program imparts knowledge about the mathematical and computational methods that is involved in surveying measurement and analysis. Students also gain fuller understanding of the legal principles of boundary location.

Acceptance Rate

54.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Everglades University offers a program for Bachelor of Science Degree in Surveying Management which is available online and on campus. This program gives emphasis on the management skills and business knowledge needed for the environment of the surveying management field. They provide instruction for management skills and surveying for construction industry specific occupational and technical subjects. Surveying degree trains graduates for a productive career in the surveying industry either as a manager or as a supervisor.

Acceptance Rate

74.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Certificate and Minor Online Program in Land Surveying is offered at the University of Wyoming. Licensed land surveyors who want to earn licensure in another state or need additional classes to qualify are welcome in this program. Since this program is offered entirely online and through Zoom teleconferencing, it allows the students to maintain their current job. This program guarantees that they are capable of helping students improve their skills and provide the education that they need to become a licensed land surveyor in states that don’t require ABET certification.

Acceptance Rate

95.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Department of engineering Technology & Surveying Engineering at New Mexico State University offers a degree in Surveying and Geomatics. Students here learn how to analyze, design, and execute surveying and mapping projects that help define the world we live in. This program imparts knowledge about the mathematical and computational methods that is involved in surveying measurement and analysis. Students also gain fuller understanding of the legal principles of boundary location.

Acceptance Rate

69.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Maine offers a Graduate Degree with Surveying emphasis, Online Surveying Degree, and Surveying Certificate. These programs are designed with a combination of Surveying, Practical Engineering, and Business. It gives stress on skills and education required for professional practice. They are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Acceptance Rate

90.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Surveying and Mapping Science degree is available at East Tennessee State University. This program aims to develop in students the ability to formulate or design a system, procedure or program in order to meet desired needs. They also train their students so they’ll be effective in communicating with a range of audiences. They make sure that each student completes the NCEES fundamentals of Surveying exam.

Acceptance Rate

85.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Nicholls State University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree program with a Major in Geomatics. Majors should earn a grade of C or better in all required physics, mathematics and geomatics courses. They will show thorough documentation of how they have performed 30 hours of service learning in each semester.  Graduates of this program are ready for mid-level positions in construction surveying, land surveying, and other related areas.

Acceptance Rate

87.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Akron offers an accredited degree program for Associate of Applied Science in Land Surveying. This program is designed to train graduates as surveying technicians under the supervision of professional registered surveyors. It will provide a foundation in natural science, mathematics, and communication skills. Students will also develop the surveying skills required to become a Certified Surveying Technician under the National Society of Professional Surveyors’ testing program.

Acceptance Rate

73.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Surveying Technology major at Dunwoody College of Technology recorded a 100% placement rate. This program teaches how to route highways, design bridges, and assist in the planning of land development. They provide hands-on, outdoor projects and experiments which exposes you in advance on the environment that you’ll be working in as a Civil Engineering Technician or Land Surveying Technician. The expert faculty members will train students throughout the program.

Acceptance Rate

96.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Troy University offers a Surveying and Geomatics Sciences degree for qualified student.  This program is the perfect fit for people who are well-versed in math and science, interested in computers, in the latest technology and the environment. Graduates of this program enjoy the opportunity to work as a surveyor with some of the most modern and precise satellite navigation systems and measurement. Students will also have broader knowledge and deeper understanding of legal issues ranging from boundary location to environmental regulation. 

Acceptance Rate

87.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

A program for Land Surveying and Mapping Sciences is currently available at Saint Cloud State University. The surveying specific courses are all offered both on-campus and online. This program is the best choice if a student wants to update his/her knowledge and practices to be qualified to take leadership positions. They provide coursework and fieldwork designed to hone the skills of the students in mathematics, cartography and the use of GNSS.

Acceptance Rate

90.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Ferris State University’s program for Bachelor of Science Degree in Surveying Engineering is designed to meet the needs of all students in the program. Students will learn how to apply communication skills, knowledge of mathematics, lifelong learning attitude, and basic science on attaining advancement within the surveying profession. Graduates will be privileged to be engaged in the professional practice of surveying engineering with professional responsibilities. Graduates are expected to strive for professional licensure.

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The goal of the Professional Land Surveying degree at South Carolina State University is to support the mission of the college and the University by developing competent and well qualified Professional Land Surveyors. They maintain small classes and ensure that fundamental theory and problem solving are both emphasized. Students acquire practical skills through field laboratory experiences that they gain. Extensive opportunities to work in teams are also provided in this program.

Acceptance Rate

66.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

MS degree in Geospatial Surveying Engineering is available at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills focusing on the design, development, research and use of technologies in geospatial surveying engineering. The program is based on the ABET accredited undergraduate Geographic Information Science program. One of the goals of this program is to produce nationally and internationally recognized professionals.

Acceptance Rate

80

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Eastern Kentucky University offers a Certificate program in Land Surveying. The curriculum in this program is designed for students who already have or are pursuing a four-year degree in a program other than land surveying from a college or university of recognized standing. The requirements of Kentucky core curriculum are all included in this program. Students who completed this program will receive a certificate that permits them to take Kentucky Fundamentals of land Surveying Examination. 

Acceptance Rate

93.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The top ranked surveying degree is currently offered at the University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton. Students under this program are trained to operate surveying equipment. The instruction that this program provides covers procedures and computations involved in boundary, and construction surveys and route. In addition to that, students will also learn how to prepare legal documents, maps, plats, and reports.

Acceptance Rate

75.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Oregon Institute of Technology offers a program for BS in Geomatics with Surveying Option. Students are expected to demonstrate advancement in educational content. Their courses level must not be lower than the courses in the required curriculum. For other detailed information you may visit the school’s primary portal or call the admissions department to obtain information about this degree pathway.   

Acceptance Rate

97.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Surveying degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage can be found under Geomatics and embraces the traditional disciplines of land surveying, hydrography, LiDAR and many more. This program is ABET accredited. It is the only Geomatics program offered in the state of Alaska. Since their faculty work closely with industry leaders, they are able to provide to students the most recent equipment and software available. 

Acceptance Rate

82.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Renton Technical College offers a degree for Land Surveying Technician and Geospatial Science. This is a one-year online degree program that closely follows the Field Surveying Technician certificate program which prepares graduates for Professional Land Surveyor licensure. Students will be taught how to use computer software for survey reduction. Students will also have the chance to practice land and field survey practices with the use of instruments such as GPS and data collectors.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Survey Technology Education Requirements

Survey tech will require students to possess a core set of knowledge and skills. As such, you can expect to take a host of similar coursed in college. The list below represents the common classes found in many of the top ranked survey degree programs.

Skills & Abilities Required for Survey Professionals

  1. Oral Expression
  2. Attention to Detail
  3. Organization Skills
  4. Oral Comprehension
  5. Speech Recognition
  6. Leadership in the Field
  7. Speaking with Others
  8. Reading Comprehension
  9. Active Listening
  10. Writing Succinctly
  11. Speech Clarity
  12. Written Comprehension

Employment Specializations for Surveyors

Surveyors are trained for a very specific job. The courses and knowledge acquired during the course of a degree program prepare student for surveying careers. In the event a student elects to work outside the industry, core skills can help achieve that end. Career examples for surveyors can include any number of the following: general contractor, survey research consultant, cost estimator, transportation administrator, specialty contractor, economist, civil engineer, statistician, budget analyst, sociologist, and project manager.

Surveying Career Outlook & Job Growth

Career outlook for surveyors with a college degree are forecast to be above average.  Recent publications by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate the employment growth for surveyors to swell by 13% adding nearly four-thousand jobs in the next decade.  Likewise, jobs for survey technicians and survey researchers are above average.  These career paths combined will add some 9,000 jobs at above average income to the economy.

Surveying Resources

For a list of surveying associations and organizations near you, visit Surveying.org today.   With dozens of survey associations in a single portal, you will be able to quickly connect to relevant groups or research organizations that make sense for you.  Examples include organizations such as:

  • United States Academy of Land Surveyors (USALS)
  • National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
  • Land Surveyors United (LSU)
  • American Council of Professional Surveyors (ACPS)
  • Society of Cartographers (SOC)

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