Monday, 28 May 2012

Online Land Surveying Schools: How to Choose

Some colleges offer online or distance-learning programs in land surveying. Often, these programs require some on-site participation. Potential students should be aware that they must possess licensure to pursue employment.

How to Select an Online Land Surveying School

Program Types

Students considering online land surveying schools should determine if the programs offered are either fully or partially online. Certain land surveying programs are hybrid programs, and they require students to take examinations or complete some laboratory assignments on campus. Some schools help students satisfy these requirements, while others require that students make their own arrangements and submit proof of completion.

Award Levels

Online land surveying programs may lead to a certificate or bachelor's degree, and potential students should determine which route is best for them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics informed as of 2012 that land surveyors need a bachelor's degree to gain licensure (www.bls.gov). However, those with sufficient experience or a baccalaureate degree in a related field may only need a certificate to qualify. Certificate programs can last one semester to one year, and students can earn an average of 15 credit hours. Online bachelor's degree programs typically take four years to complete, with students earning 120-130 credit hours.

Licensure

All 50 states require land surveyors to be licensed. Most states expect candidates to satisfy a written exam issued by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, although some have additional state-governed exams. Accredited online programs prepare students for their state-mandated exams through an intensive and often hands-on curriculum. Some states specifically request that students graduate from an ABET-approved school to gain licensure. Prospective students may wish to see if the schools they're considering offer exam-specific preparation courses as well.

Common Online Land Surveying Programs

Online Certificate of Completion in Land Surveying

These programs cover construction methodology, surveying and the use of GPS. Colleges and universities generally offer certificate courses through their continued education division and may require students to complete prerequisite courses in mathematics. Most coursework and lectures are delivered through video streaming or DVD.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Land Surveying

An online bachelor's degree program in land surveying commonly leads to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science, though title variants are available. The curriculum covers areas such as drafting, physics, geomatics, urban development and mine surveying. Applicants may need to earn an associate's degree before they can officially enroll in the bachelor's degree curriculum. Students use online course management programs to download materials, stream lectures and submit assignments. They can communicate with instructors and other classmates instantaneously through the same Web platform or via e-mail. Students may need access drafting and office software to complete homework assignments; specific hardware and software requirements vary by school.

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