Surveying Technology/Surveying
Total graduates
591
2025 · 57 schools
International share
1.5%
9 international students
Bachelor's degrees
250
0.4% international
Master's degrees
6
66.7% international
Overview
Surveying Technology, often referred to simply as Surveying, is a specialized field that focuses on the measurement and mapping of the Earth's surface. This discipline combines elements of mathematics, physics, and engineering to determine distances, angles, and elevations, which are crucial for various construction, engineering, and environmental projects.
Surveyors play a vital role in the planning and development of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. They use advanced technology such as GPS, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and laser scanning to collect and analyze spatial data. This data is essential for creating accurate maps and ensuring that construction projects adhere to legal boundaries and zoning regulations.
In addition to traditional land surveying, the field encompasses various sub-disciplines such as hydrographic surveying, which involves measuring and mapping bodies of water, and geodetic surveying, focusing on the Earth's geometric shape and gravitational field. The curriculum for Surveying Technology typically includes courses in surveying principles, land law, construction methods, and data analysis, along with practical fieldwork experience.
Graduates of Surveying Technology programs can pursue careers as licensed surveyors, project managers, or GIS specialists in various sectors, including construction, real estate, and environmental consulting. As the demand for precise data in urban planning and infrastructure projects continues to grow, professionals in this field will find ample opportunities for career advancement and specialization. Overall, Surveying Technology is a dynamic and essential profession that contributes significantly to societal development and land use planning.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 36% and the international share went from 4.2% to 1.5%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 57 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | 58,010 | $27.89 | $58,000 |
| Surveyors | 50,830 | $38.73 | $80,570 |
| Drafters, All Other | 14,470 | $32.81 | $68,250 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | 14,260 | $41.68 | $86,690 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.