If you are interested in earning a degree that can prepare you for a career in land surveying, you might want to look into degree programs in surveying and mapping, geographic information science or geomatics. Read on to learn about the core courses that are highlighted in such programs.
Overview of Core Courses in Land Surveying Education
Educational requirements for land surveyors vary from state to state. If you're interested in pursuing this career, you will likely need a bachelor's degree or master's degree in geomatics, geographic information systems or land surveying. Some states will allow licensure with just an associate's degree and on-the-job training. Programs are likely to include core courses in cartography, geographic information science and land surveying.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisAreaOfStudy">Important Facts About This Area of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Fully online programs available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Concentrations </td><td> Land surveying, civil engineering, forestry</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Two years' work under licensed surveyor required for certification in most states</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Careers </td><td> Geodetic surveyor, geophysical prospecting surveyor, marine surveyor</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$61,600 <i>(surveyors)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>1% <i>(surveyors)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CertificateAndAssociateSDegreeCourses">Certificate and Associate's Degree Courses</h3><p>Required courses in certificate and associate's degree programs in land surveying often overlap. Specific surveying topics will likely include mapping and cartography, geographic information systems (GIS) and the legal concerns associated with establishing property lines. Additional courses required specifically by associate's degree programs might include advanced cartography and surveying as well as photogrammetry (a process that uses photography to create 3D maps).
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeCourses">Bachelor's Degree Courses</h3><p>Courses in a bachelor's degree program in land surveying will likely include introductory as well as advanced courses. Core courses that focus on land surveying topics might also include GIS, global positioning systems (GPS) and surveying documentation. Some programs include courses in specific types of surveying, such as construction surveying, mine surveying and public land surveying.
</p><h3 id="section---MasterSDegreeCourses">Master's Degree Courses</h3><p>A master's degree program often focuses on specialized aspects of land surveying, such as geospatial surveying engineering. Core courses might explore the political and legal aspects of establishing and maintaining land records. Depending on your specific program, you might also be required to take courses in cartography or remote sensing (gathering information from aerial satellites).</p>
