Is a Surveying Degree Worth It? (In-Depth Guide)
Surveying is a unique field that combines math, science, and technology to measure land and buildings. It provides the data and maps needed for construction, mapping, and land planning.
As infrastructure continues growing to keep pace with population growth, the demand for surveyors is expected to increase over the next decade. So a surveying degree can lead to a stable career.
However, surveying programs are rare and competitive. The coursework is challenging, licensing has many steps, and fieldwork can involve tough outdoor conditions. So a surveying degree demands substantial commitment.
This guide provides an in-depth look at what a surveying degree entails. It will help you determine if pursuing this career is the right choice for you.
What Does a Surveyor Do?
Surveyors measure and map land surfaces to determine property boundaries and site plans. Common surveying tasks include:
- Researching deeds, maps, and survey records to find legal boundaries
- Measuring angles, distances, and elevations using specialized equipment
- Analyzing data and creating new property, topographic, and construction maps
- Providing survey data to engineers, architects, construction managers, and government agencies to aid planning and design
- Determining exact geographic locations and measuring distances between key markers or monuments
- Advising legal teams on boundary or title disputes over land rights
Many surveyors specialize in areas like construction surveying, mapping and GIS, forensics, or marine surveying.
Surveyors mainly work outdoors, traveling to sites to take measurements. They also spend time in offices planning surveys, completing calculations, and preparing maps using CAD software.
The job requires attention to detail, critical thinking, communication skills, and comfort using technology. Math competence is also vital for performing complex computations.
Why Earn a Surveying Degree?
There are a few routes to enter the surveying field:
- On-the-job training under a licensed surveyor
- Associate degree in surveying
- Bachelor’s degree in surveying or related field like civil engineering or geospatial technology
A surveying degree offers key advantages:
Faster Progression Towards Getting Licensed
Licensure is required for surveyors who offer services directly to the public. Earning a degree approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) allows you to get licensed after only 2 years of field experience.Without an ABET degree, up to 8 years of experience is required before you can qualify for licensure.
Develop Technical Surveying Skills
Degree programs provide intensive training using the latest surveying equipment and software programs. This makes graduates highly employable with a skill set tailored for surveying work.
Better Career Advancement Prospects
Those with 4-year surveying degrees qualify for more senior roles compared to those without degrees. Higher degrees can lead to managerial positions and independent consulting work.For ambitious surveyors, a master’s degree offers the highest pay and authority over projects.
What Will I Learn in a Surveying Degree Program?
Surveying degrees provide a blend of scientific theory and practical experience. Coursework covers areas like:
Math & Physics
- Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus
- Physics principles for surveying instrumentation
Surveying Techniques
- Boundary law, deed research, photogrammetry
- Topographic mapping, control surveys, construction surveying
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) operation
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems like GPS and GLONASS
Technology
- Computer-aided design (CAD), drafting, and 3D modeling
- Advanced surveying instruments and laser scanning equipment
Communication
- Technical writing for reports, proposals, specs, and maps
- Verbal communication and client consultation
You will also gain significant field experience through summer internships and capstone projects.Programs often include a review course for the Fundamentals of Surveying licensure exam.
What Degree Types Are Available?
There are a few degree options if you want to become a licensed surveyor:
Associate Degrees
Associate of Applied Science degrees in Surveying Technology are 2-year programs offered at community and technical colleges.
They focus more on practical training to prepare you for assistant roles. Graduates can perform survey tasks under a licensed professional but cannot legally certify surveys or establish property boundaries.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees qualify you to become a licensed surveyor after you gain professional experience. They are more theoretical and satisfy education requirements for certification.Common majors include:
Master’s Degrees
Those interested in research or university teaching pursue MS or PhD degrees in a surveying-related field. They open up senior roles managing large projects or teams.Specialized programs are available, like an MS in Cadastral Science and Land Management. This focuses on legal aspects of surveying and land development.
Which Schools Offer Surveying Degrees?
Only about 30 colleges across the country offer 4-year surveying degrees. Top-ranked programs are:
- New Mexico State University: One of few dedicated BS degrees in Surveying Engineering that is ABET-accredited. Provides extensive field training and high licensure exam pass rates.
- California State University Fresno: Long-running surveying degree with specializations in geodetic surveying, photogrammetry, and construction. Strong industry connections for internships.
- University of Maine: BS in Spatial Information Science and Engineering allows concentrating in surveying and mapping sciences. Grads skilled with GIS, GPS, CAD, and data analysis.
- Michigan Technological University: Surveying Engineering BS integrates geospatial technology with surveying fundamentals. Also, an accelerated master’s program available.
- Penn State University: Surveying option within the Civil Engineering BS. Focuses on infrastructure and construction surveying.
Many other civil engineering and construction management programs allow minors or elective concentrations in surveying.
What Are Typical Courses for a Surveying Degree?
While each surveying program varies, they contain many core courses like:
Introductory Courses
- Introduction to Surveying
- Surveying Computations and Adjustments
- Surveying Drafting and Computer-Aided Design
Basic Surveying Techniques
- Measurement Analysis
- Control Surveys
- Boundary Surveys
- Topographic Surveys and Mapping
- Geodetic Surveys
Advanced Surveying Topics
- Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
- Geographic Information Systems
- Global Positioning Systems
- Survey Databases and Design
- Land Development Design and Planning
Other Technical Courses
- Advanced Math (calculus, statistics)
- Physics
- Spatial Data Analysis
- Cadastral Law and Boundary Regulation
- Ethics for Professional Land Surveyors
Senior Project or Capstone CourseIn the final semester, students complete an intensive project demonstrating surveying skills. This often involves fieldwork, data analysis, legal research, and a presentation.
What About Surveying Licensure and Certifications?
Professional licensing is required to perform boundary surveys, certify survey maps, establish monuments, and file records for the public.It shows you have the education, experience, and expertise to practice surveying ethically and legally. Licensure protects public safety and property rights.
Licensure Process
Earning a license takes 7+ years. Key steps are:
- Graduate from high school (or GED equivalent). No degree required initially.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam. Allows you to gain professional experience under a licensed surveyor as a “surveyor-in-training.”
- Complete experience requirement – 4 years with an ABET accredited surveying degree or up to 8 years without.
- Pass the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam.
- Apply for your Professional Surveyor license.
Licensing is handled at the state-level. So requirements can vary slightly in different states.
Maintaining Your License
Licensed surveyors must complete continuing education – around 15 PDH (professional development hours) annually. This ensures they stay updated on the latest surveying best practices and technology.Ethics training is also mandatory to retain licensure. Surveyors must uphold high professional standards when measuring land – on which huge amounts of money are exchanged.
What Software and Technology Is Used?
Surveyors harness advanced tools and software in their work, including:Global Navigation Satellite Systems
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou to enhance GPS
Surveying Equipment
- Total stations: electronic theodolites with distance meters
- 3D laser scanners, levels, drones, robotic survey systems
Computer Programs
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Data Processing
- Survey data analysis software
- Adjustment computations
- Coordinate geometry calculations
A surveying degree covers all the latest hardware, software, and computational methods. This allows graduates to enter the workforce skilled in the modern tools of the trade.
What Can You Do With a Surveying Degree?
A surveying degree opens doors to various mapping and measurement careers:
- Land Surveyor – Core career, involves determining legal boundaries and creating property maps. Gain licensure to certify surveys.
- Construction Surveyor – Lay out infrastructure sites, survey elevations, and set reference points to guide construction.
- Geodetic Surveyor – Use satellite data and aerial imagery to produce specialized maps showing the Earth’s shape and gravity field.
- Cadastral Surveyor – Focus on legal land rights and surveys to resolve title disputes. Expert in deed research.
- Hydrographic/Marine Surveyor – Chart waterways and seabeds advising design engineering projects in coastal areas and ports.
- Forensic Surveyor – Investigate crime, accident, or disaster scenes to analyze evidence based on precise measurements and maps.
- GIS Analyst – Build and maintain geographic information systems mapping land details, ownership, infrastructure, etc.
- Mapping Technician – Create topographic maps and 3D models for use by architects, engineers, and urban planners.
- Surveying Professor – Teach at community colleges and universities after earning a master’s or doctoral degree.
What Skills Are Needed to Be a Good Surveyor?
Excelling as a surveyor requires:
Technical Aptitude
- Math skills – geometry, trigonometry, algebra, statistics, calculus
- Spatial reasoning and visualization
- Working knowledge of physics and engineering
- Comfort mastering surveying technology/instruments
Attention to Detail
- Produce extremely precise land measurements
- Ensure accurate legal descriptions for boundaries
- Meticulously check work to avoid costly errors
Physical Ability
- Strength and endurance for outdoor fieldwork
- Good vision and sense of direction
- Ability to carry heavy gear to remote sites
Communication Skills
- Clear documentation and report writing
- Explaining technical details to clients
- Collaborating in teams with architects, engineers, construction managers
Critical Thinking
- Analyze and interpret legal documents
- Identify optimal locations for control points and markers
- Assess best practices given site conditions and budget
Ethical Standards
- Objectivity regarding legal boundaries
- Commitment to safety protocols
- Transparency about limitations of deliverables
A degree builds all these core skills needed for the job.
The Surveying Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for surveyors is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average across all occupations.
Around 49,500 surveyor positions will need to be filled over the next decade to replace retiring professionals and keep pace with demand.
Construction and infrastructure development continues expanding, especially in the southeast and western regions of the country. Surveyors will be needed to map out land for:
- New neighborhoods, industrial parks, and transit corridors
- Schools, hospitals, parks, and commercial buildings
- Pipelines, power lines, wind farms, and solar farms
Also, more surveyors are needed to:
- Maintain and enhance geographic information systems
- Provide updated maps and spatial data to government agencies
- Support sustainability initiatives and disaster preparation projects
