College Catalog

This curriculum is designed to equip graduates to face the challenge of modern surveying practice. The major also provides an overview of the surveying field and prepares students for advanced study and for the Surveying Fundamentals exam, which is the first step in registering as a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS). The major emphasizes applications-based studies involving the analysis of surveying projects. Modern approaches to the analysis of highways, structures, hydraulic systems, and site development are emphasized. This technical instruction with modern instrumentation, hardware, and software is reinforced with foundation courses emphasizing written and oral communication and physical sciences. All of the instruction is presented with problem solving in mind and strong emphasis on applications and critical thinking.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can seek employment performing tasks such as control, boundary, topographical, and utility surveys as well as preparing geographic information systems. Employers that may hire graduates may include surveying firms, PennDOT, DEP, engineering consulting firms, and utility companies. Students will be permitted to take the examinations to become a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Recommended High School Subjects

A strong preparation in math, science, and computer technology is recommended but not required. Drafting and CAD experience would also be helpful.

Remediation Strategies

All entering students will be tested for English, math, and reading deficiencies. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies prior to enrollment as explained in this online catalog (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/PlacementTesting.htm ). It is recommended that students remediate deficiencies in the following order of priority: mathematics, English, reading.

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge, techniques, and skills utilizing modern tools of the surveying profession.
• apply mathematical concepts and basic sciences to solve problems related to the surveying profession.
• use modern measurement technologies to acquire spatial data, and perform data reduction, measurement analysis, and data adjustment.
• plan and apply creativity in surveying processes and procedures.
• work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• identify, analyze, and solve technical problems related to surveying.
• communicate effectively through written reports and oral/graphical presentations.
• recognize the need to engage in life-long learning.
• understand continuously changing technologies and legal principles affecting the surveying profession.
• understand the effects of economical, financial and business issues related to the practice of surveying.
• understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities and their implications related to the practice of surveying in a global / social context.
• demonstrate a commitment to quality, timeliness, and improved effectiveness.
• employ current surveying/civil engineering software to solve technical problems.

Curriculum

Accreditation

Accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012.