Surveying and Geomatics
Overview
- It's the only degree program of its kind within 300 miles of the St. Louis area.
- Employers are ready to hire SIUE surveying and geomatics graduates.
- The program provides a path to a variety of well-paying, enjoyable careers.
A bachelor's degree in surveying and geomatics from SIUE will prepare you for professional licensure and create pathways for you to be a:
- Professional land surveyor
- Drone pilot aerial mapper
- Surveying manager and business owner
- Urban planner
- Mining surveyor
- Hydrographic surveyor
- GIS analyst
- Geospatial analyst
- Site design engineer
- Boundary surveyor
- Cartographer
- CADD surveyor
- Construction land surveyor
For more information check out our career pathways page!
What can I do with a degree in surveying and geomatics?
A degree in surveying and geomatics opens doors to a wide range of rewarding and essential careers. Graduates gain expertise in making precise measurements that establish property boundaries and provide critical support for industries like engineering, construction, geographic information systems (GIS) and real estate.
With a median annual starting salary of $65,590 (2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), surveyors find opportunities with utility companies, government agencies, engineering firms and construction companies. Many even become business owners.
This field is the cornerstone for construction projects, urban planning and economic development, offering stable career paths in high demand. The industry urgently needs new professionals, as many current surveyors are nearing retirement age, making this an excellent time to enter the field and build a fulfilling, impactful career.
How will this degree fit into my schedule?
Most classes are held on campus during the day, making it easy to plan around other responsibilities. With a structured four-year timeline, you’ll have the flexibility to build a balanced schedule, especially with the help of curriculum maps and transfer guides designed to streamline your journey to graduation.
You’ll have ongoing support from academic advisors – starting at the Student Success Center for first-year students and continuing within the School of Engineering – ensuring you stay on track toward your goals. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help every step of the way!
Hands-on Learning, Internships
Our program offers students access to state-of-the-art equipment, thanks to our partnership with Seiler Instruments Geospatial, which provides the latest in surveying technology. This ensures that as a student, you'll gain hands-on experience with the most current tools in the industry, enhancing your skills and confidence as you work toward your degree.
Our actively engaged land surveying and geomatics advisory board brings valuable connections and guidance, creating high-impact learning opportunities such as internships, co-ops, mentorships and alumni networking events. Explore our featured employers and advisory board members pages to see the breadth of industry support and connections available to you.
According to Students and Professionals ...
“Listen to your professors. Pay attention to those vocabulary lessons. If they say something you’re interested in, don’t write it off like something that’s never going to happen. Your very first gig could be that thing that was never gonna happen.”
Hunter Mantz, current SIUE student
“Surveying is almost like a scavenger hunt with everything from plotting to the history. It's fun!”
Chris Reeves, recent SIUE graduate
“Demand. Demand. It’s not just my company. Everybody is looking for people who are well educated and have a good understanding of what it takes to be a land surveyor.”
Mark Wood, professional in the field, hiring partner
