Surveying and Mapping

Online Bachelor of Science Degree

ETSU Online

Grounded in Science

Surveying is a rapidly developing profession that deals with spatial information and answers the “where” question. Almost all information has some kind of location, and the variety of information that Professional Surveyors apply to their work is extremely wide. Surveying is heavily impacted by technological changes, such as GPS, GIS, computerized mapping, robotics, scanning, and wireless communications. The Surveying and Mapping degree is grounded in the sciences, notably the sciences of mathematics and measurement theory. 

This degree:

  • is housed in the Engineering, Engineering Technology, Interior Architecture, and Surveying Department
  • is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET

Study from Anywhere

This program is delivered through synchronous and asynchronous online courses. It is designed to help working professionals from all over the country earn their bachelor's degree. Synchronous online surveying courses are streamed, recorded, and made available to all students. Coursework may be completed online, but hands-on lab classes require fieldwork. Please contact the department for information about fieldwork requirements or synchronous courses.

Students who enroll in online classes have the option to make arrangements to complete lab requirements off-campus. Those who choose this option will need to make arrangements with a Professional Licensed Surveyor who will assist in administering lab assignments at off-campus locations.

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

For students wanting an in-person program, please visit the department's program page.

Pursue a Profession

Prepare for a successful career in land surveying and mapping-related fields through comprehensive coursework designed to support professional practice and prepare you for the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for professional-level roles in surveying and engineering firms, government agencies, utility companies, and related industries. Graduates will also be well-positioned to pursue professional certifications such as PS, CP, or GISP, depending on their chosen career path. Additionally, students are encouraged to join professional organizations aligned with their interests to further enhance their development and industry connections.

 

ETSU offers one of approximately 20 ABET-accredited Surveying and Mapping degree programs in the United States.




A college-aged woman looks through a piece of surveying equipment. She is on ETSU's campus.

Steps to Apply

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose  Surveying and Mapping and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

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Cost

TN Residents *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA *Other USA States  **eRate All International
$487 per credit hour $517 per credit hour $627 per credit hour $558 per credit hour $1,265 per credit hour

The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details.

- Tuition discounts are available for border county students.
- Additional fees may be required.
- The **eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. Students may also use theTuition and Fees estimator.
- The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs
- *First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students only. Currently enrolled students should visit the tuition and fees charts if considering a major change.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the student learning outcomes? 
    • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.


    • An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure, or program to meet desired needs.
    • An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
    • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
    • An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
    • An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
    • Successfully complete the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam.

  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?

    The job is never the same. As a Professional Licensed Surveyor, there are challenges and opportunities to solve problems in a variety of ways, each of which is unique from the last. 

  • Do I need to have a background in this field? 

    There is no need for a background in the field, only an interest and desire to achieve. The program is designed to train students to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) examination and to teach the basic field techniques that will provide for success in entry-level positions.

  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    Both. Most courses are asynchronous. A small portion of the surveying program courses are offered as synchronous distance education classes. Still, students do not have to come to campus if enrolled in these courses. Online learning students enrolled in the program are required to have a mentor affiliate: a Professional Licensed Surveyor who oversees and mentors the student throughout their laboratory requirements.

  • Does this program require fieldwork? 

    Yes, there are hands-on, lab courses where students must work out in the field with a Professional Licensed Surveyor. There are three project classes each summer that are exclusively labs (semi-internships) and have proctors for tests. Students can connect with the program coordinator for more information. 

  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    Approximately 60% are employed full-time and are working towards a degree. The program is designed as a four-year curriculum, but it can vary in time depending on the student. Each student can tailor the program to suit their individual needs.

  • Does the department offer scholarships?

    The School of Science, Engineering and Math has scholarships available for review. Additionally, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships. Learn more on the ETSU Scholarship website.

    Many of the state associations in the United States also have scholarships available as well.