Utah Valley University

Programme overview

This undergraduate Land Surveying programme prepares students to perform boundary, topographic and construction surveying by combining hands‑on field instruction with classroom study of measurement theory, mapping and legal principles. Students learn to operate survey instruments, capture and process geospatial data, and produce accurate survey plats and documentation required for engineering, land development and property records.

What you'll study

Coursework focuses on the technical and regulatory skills surveyors use every day. Typical topics include:

• Field surveying techniques: total stations, GNSS/GPS, levels and data collectors
• Survey computation and adjustment methods; error analysis and precision
• Mapping and CAD workflows for producing plats, maps and as‑built drawings
• Boundary law, legal descriptions and principles of land ownership
• Geodesy, coordinate systems and datum transformations
• Remote sensing, GIS fundamentals and data management
• Construction staking, site layout and safety practices

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and competency in algebra and geometry. Programs often expect demonstrated readiness for technical coursework and may recommend prior experience or classes in trigonometry, drafting/CAD, or basic computing. Fieldwork requires physical mobility and the ability to work outdoors in varied weather.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify for technician and surveying assistant roles in land surveying firms, engineering and construction companies, public agencies (city, county, state), utility providers and mapping/GIS service providers. With experience and professional licensure pathways, career progression can lead to licensed land surveyor, project manager, forensic surveyor, or roles integrating surveying with civil engineering and geospatial analysis.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should research institutional scholarships for technical and STEM programmes, department awards for surveying or construction students, and external scholarships from professional bodies such as surveying societies. Work‑study, internships with local firms and employer‑sponsored training can offset costs and provide practical experience valuable for licensure and job placement.