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
The Surveying Engineering program prepares students with technical and professional skills for the professional practice. Due to their experience in our program, within few years of graduation, we expect our graduates to have the ability to:
- 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 seven student outcomes that provide that foundation. Those outcomes state that at time of graduation the students will be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Program Data
The following are the annual student enrollment and graduation data for the program:
| Year | Enrollment | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| 2017–2018 | 35 | 10 |
| 2018–2019 | 22 | 11 |
| 2019–2020 | 18 | 4 |
| 2020–2021 | 18 | 2 |
| 2021–2022 | 19 | 4 |
| 2022–2023 | 23 | 4 |
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.
Please note: Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
The Surveying Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Program Criteria.
