The Land Surveying and Geomatics program teaches students how to identify, measure, quantify, map, and analyze specific details and locations on the earths surface. Students will learn applications of mathematics and basic sciences as they develop skills with modern software and hardware tools used in the surveying industry. Graphical presentation methodology and technical communication skills will be learned to allow students to share the information they obtain with professionals in other industries such as construction, engineering, real estate, city planning, subdivision development, conservation, and many others. Careers in land surveying and geomatics normally require a mix of both indoor and outdoor work, and expertise with modern surveying equipment will be developed through laboratory activities and related classroom responsibilities. Students will be eligible to proceed toward professional licensure as a Professional Surveyor upon completion of either the Bachelor of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree, and all students will be encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Surveying exam before completing their coursework.
The Associate of Applied Science degree requires 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years. The A.A.S. degree is more targeted to specific surveying fundamentals with a reduced general education component compared to the B.S. degree. Concerning Professional Surveying licensure, either degree completes the educational component required in Arkansas by A.C.A. §17-48-203. Students completing the A.A.S. would generally need to complete six years of work experience before becoming eligible for licensure, but B.S. students would have a work experience requirement of four years.