Read what the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping has to say.
View 20 minute presentation on the history and future of the Surveying profession. (Best viewed with Internet Explorer.)
It is desirable, and for some required, to have a Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) license. Licensing is obtained by passing the fundamentals in land surveying exam also known as the Surveyor-In-Training (SIT) examination. This exam can be taken after graduation or in your senior year. After passing the exam, the student must obtain practical experience by working with a licensed land surveyor for four years before they can sit for their Professional Land Surveyors examination. Both exams are regulated by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The State Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologist regulates licensure in Pennsylvania. This process is similar to that used for licensing engineers. Other states may have different requirements for licensure, however, a student with a baccalaureate degree in surveying is qualified for licensure in any state. Overview of the Fundamentals in Land Surveying Exam.
The surveying degrees comprise a calculus-based curriculum offered through the College of Engineering, School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Practice (SEDTAPP). High school math requirements are two years of algebra, a course in trigonometry, and a course in plane geometry. Three years of science, as well as courses in English, arts, and humanities, are required.
The baccalaureate program has six primary areas of study: data collection, data reduction, data management, mapping graphics, cadastral concepts, and leadership. One hundred thirty credits of course work are required, including instruction in boundary surveying, construction surveying, photogrammetry, global positioning systems, and land information systems, with optional courses in remote sensing.
The program faculty pride themselves on being able to keep current in both equipment and software. Select this link to see our current list of equipment.
Individual research projects help students develop skills needed for life-long learning. We believe student involvement and demonstration of their learning is an essential part of their education. Follow this link to see recent projects of students that have been published at national and international levels. Projects.
In addition to scholarships, students may be eligible for financial aid from other sources, such as
Federal Pell and PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) grants, Federal
Stafford Loans, and the Work Study Program.
Application forms are available at high schools and Penn State locations throughout
Pennsylvania; or call 570-675-9238.
If you prefer to use email, contact
Dr. Wes Parks, Chair of Wilkes-Barre Campus Engineering Programs at
wwp3@psu.edu
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