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Online Land Surveying Degree Programs
Online Land Surveying Degree Programs
An online degree in land surveying can lead to a career that allows you to work both indoors and out. Read on to learn what degree types are available online, explore common courses and find out what is required for an online class. You'll also take examine the job outlook for this field.
What Type of Land Surveying Degree Can I Earn Online?
Though they're rare, you can find online bachelor's degree programs in land surveying, as well as associate's degree programs. These programs typically are aimed at full-time students, as well as surveying professionals who are seeking licensure. Some colleges and universities also offer individual online courses as part of their on-campus bachelor's degree programs in land surveying.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Degree Types</b></td><td> Associate's and bachelor's degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Statistical testing, understanding photogrammetry, modern surveying of geomatics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Education Requirements</b></td><td> Computer with Internet access, e-mail account, occasional visits to campus or surveying site often required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$65,590 (for surveyors)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>2% (for surveyors)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>As an online land surveying student, you'll study the basics of land surveying, such as legal descriptions, measurements, topography and maps. Online offerings often cover the following topics:
</p><ul><li>Statistical testing in measurements
</li><li>Mechanics of least square adjustments
</li><li>Global positioning systems
</li><li>Analyzing and interpreting legal descriptions
</li><li>Modern surveying of geomatics
</li><li>Legal and boundary control principles
</li><li>Understanding photogrammetry
</li><li>Writing engineering specifications
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineProgramsWork">How Do Online Programs Work?</h3><p>Online programs require you to have a computer with Internet access and an e-mail account. Courses typically are the same as those offered on campus; however, as an online student, your coursework may be delivered via streaming video, DVD or e-mail. Some schools might require you to visit campus or a surveying site to participate in proctored exams or laboratory assignments.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>An online bachelor's program in land surveying should prepare you to earn your surveyor license, which is a requirement in every state. The licensing process generally involves passing two exams through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. After passing the Fundamentals of Surveying test, you can work under an experienced surveyor for up to four years, at which time you'll need to take the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam. You'll also likely have to pass a test developed by your state's licensing board.
</p><p>Your career options with an undergraduate degree in land surveying might include land surveyor, engineering technician, construction surveyor, boundary surveyor or geodesist. You might find work with a small, private surveying company, large construction company or government agency. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that employment of surveyors would increase by 2% from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).</p>
