Baccalaureate Degree in Surveying Engineering
The baccalaureate degree program in Surveying Engineering (SUR E) was developed with the help of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors, and was created in response to the increasing need for specialists in capturing, processing, and managing geospatial data.
The Surveying Engineering major provides a basic undergraduate education required for private and public service in the profession of surveying. Particular emphasis is placed on fundamental surveying principles required in all areas of surveying. Instruction is provided in the main divisions of surveying, including land surveying, mapping, photogrammetry, data analysis and adjustment, geodesy and map projection coordinate systems, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and land development. Students study various data collection techniques using surveying tools including total stations, levels, softcopy photogrammetry, satellite imagery, and the global navigation satellite system (GNSS). They also study legal principles related to land surveying, professional ethics, applications for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in surveying, and data management techniques. Through the use of projects and capstone courses students will design measurement systems, alignments, land information systems, and land development.
Program Objectives
Specific educational objectives of the program are to prepare graduates who, after the first few years of their professional careers:
- proficiently use mathematics, science, measurement methods, and modern surveying tools to collect, analyze, and reduce spatial data in professional applications or in advanced study in surveying engineering or a related field.
- proficiently apply basic principles of land surveying, professional practice, and professional ethics to design and conduct surveys, and to analyze and interpret data in surveying engineering applications.
- effectively convey technical and professional information in written, verbal, and graphic forms, as an individual and as a member of a professional team.
- demonstrate their recognition of the importance of professional organizations for advancement toward professional licensure, development of leadership skills, and maintaining a broad understanding of contemporary societal issues, by participating in activities of professional organizations in capacities ultimately leading to leadership positions.
- demonstrate their recognition of the need for continuous, life-long learning by participating in continuing education as students or as instructors.
Student Outcomes
Student outcomes are those skills and capabilities that are the foundation on which those achievements can be built. Stated differently, student outcomes are the talents, skills, and capabilities that should be imparted to students so that, when they graduate from the SUR E program, they are well equipped to succeed at their chosen careers. The SUR E program has identified eleven student outcomes that provide that foundation. Those outcomes state that at time of graduation the students will be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
- an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
- an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
- an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
- an ability to communicate effectively;
- the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
- a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning;
- a knowledge of contemporary issues; and
- an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Program Data
The following are the annual student enrollment and graduation data for the program:
| Campus | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre | 41 | 46 | 45 | 35 | 24 |
| Campus | 2014–15 | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre | 10 | 8 | 11 | 12 |
The baccalaureate degree in Surveying Engineering at Penn State Wilkes-Barre is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org).
Business Minor
Get value added to your Surveying Engineering degree by obtaining a minor in Business. Many of our employers suggest that our B.S. students consider getting more courses in business management. The BS program allows students to use up to nine (9) credits in technical electives towards the Business minor. With additional courses, you can easily obtain this minor and strengthen your position in a company. Develop an academic plan in consultation with your adviser. To declare the intent to get a minor, complete the Entrance to Minor form and take it to the registrar.
A possible list of courses for the minor include:
- Required Courses: ACCTG 211(4), ECON 002 GS(3), MGMT 301(3), MKTG 301(3)
- STAT 401 substituted for MS&IS 200
- SUR 462 and SUR 471
All of these courses can be used in the major.