Academic Programs

Are you good at Math and Sciences? Are you interested in computers, technologies, and the outdoor environment?

If you answered yes to these questions, then a geospatial Informatics career is for you.

What is Geomatics?

Geomatics is the discipline of collecting, processing, analyzing, managing, and delivering spatially referenced information. Geomatics spans various professions and encompasses the fields of land surveying, mapping, remote sensing, photogrammetry, hydrography, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and geographic information science (GIS). Many career opportunities are available to geomatics graduates.

What is Geographic Information Science (GIS)?

Geographic information science (GIS) is the scientific discipline that studies theories and techniques to capture, process, analyze, visualize, and manage geographic or location-based information and to support decision making. Hundreds of thousands of organizations in virtually every field are using GIS and maps to communicate information, perform data analysis, and solve complex problems.  GIS is changing the way we explore the world around us.

Is an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) the same as a drone? 

An unmanned aerial system (UAS) includes the drone, the steering system and the pilot. The imagery/data collected from drones provides essential geospatial information that organizations use for analysis and planning. Commercial UAS usage grows every day.  The UAS industry continues to grow and will need more operators, maintainers, directors, managers, and other specialized personnel to fill industry jobs.  

Degree Options

Prior to earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Surveying and Geomatics Sciences or GIS,  an Associate of Science Degree in General Education may be earned with an emphasis in surveying and geomatics, GIS or UAS.  This would require a total of 60 hours of credit , 12 credit hours of which would be in the emphasis of your choice.  Please refer to the academic catalog for further information. 

Academic Catalog

ABET Accreditation 

The Surveying and Geomatics Sciences program is approved by ABET.  This allows graduates to take the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in any state to prepare to become a Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) in that state.

Annual Student Enrollment for Geomatics Program

Annual Graduation for Geomatics Program

All of these  Surveying and Geomatics Sciences graduates are currently employed in the public and/or private sectors in a wide variety of geomatics specializations.

Geomatics Program Educational Objectives

1. Graduates will be prepared to obtain quality entry-level positions within the Surveying and Geomatics profession. 
2. Employers will be pleased with the quality and performance of graduates.
3. Graduates are well prepared for the licensure process of examinations and experience.
4. Graduates will hold wide-ranging positions within the diverse disciplines of the Surveying and Geomatics fields.
5. Graduates have grown and advanced into managerial/ownership/leadership positions within the Surveying and Geomatics fields.

Geomatics Student Outcomes

1. 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. 
2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs. 
3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions. 
4.  An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. 
5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. 
6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.