(A) B.S. Degree in Surveying and Mapping Science:

East Tennessee State University offers a unique BS degree in Surveying and Mapping Science, which covers the wide aspects of Geomatics. This program has three new sequences within it that include Geodetic Science, GIS & Photogrammetry, and Surveying Business. There are core courses that every student in the program should take and there are specific courses for each sequence.

(i) Cadastral/Design Sequence

This sequence is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore the traditional field of boundary, subdivision and engineering design, and cadastral & geodetic surveying. There are many avenues for a graduate from this program in both private and public sectors. Several opportunities exist, especially with the ubiquity of GPS, for studying the techniques and theory of high-precision measurement.

(ii) Geographic Information Systems / Photogrammetry Sequence

This sequence is designed to provide students with an awareness of the issues and factors involved in the design, implementation and operation of a variety of Geographic Information Systems. Students in this sequence will be provided by the necessary photogrammetric background that will help them to process aerial photos in both the analog and digital environment.  

(iii) Surveying Business Sequence

This sequence is designed to provide students with the background necessary to own and manage their  surveying/geomatic engineering business. Classes in accounting, management, and business law will help prepare graduate for management in their chosen field. 

Transfer students:

Core classes for transfer are analyzed by the Office of Admissions when a potential student applies to the university. A report of credits accepted and a list of ETSU course numbers with credit hours is returned to the applicant.

Technical courses in the major are analyzed by the Office of Admissions and the coordinator for Surveying and Mapping Science.

Special arrangements have been made with some Two-year Colleges and Technical Institutes for a student to gain an Associate degree (AS or AAS) and then transfer to ETSU for the remainder of their BS degree in Surveying and Mapping Science. 

 Work and Study Time:

Full time student status is 12 semester credit hours of course work. It is estimated that 2-3 hours of home work is required per credit hour for a student to do well. This means 12 hours each week in class and 24-36 hours each week of homework.

Practical field experience work is sometimes available on a part-time basis with local surveying, mapping and engineering firms. Students can check the job announcement bulletin board or check in the yellow pages for names of potential employers. It is recommended that full time students not work more than 10-20 hours per week.

Students are encouraged to work a semester and receive college credit through the Co-op program. An agreement between the employer, university and student is established before the student begins their Co-op experience. Credit is granted according to the following chart. While a student is working with a co-op, they must take a reduced load of credits in other classes. 

In addition there are reports to be filed by the student and employer to monitor the work experience and verify the learning experience.

(B) M.S. Degree in Technology with concentration in Geoscience:

East Tennessee State University now offers a new M.S. degree in Technology with a concentration in Geosciences. The Geosciences concentration covers the wide aspects of Surveying and Mapping Science with emphasis on Geodetic Science,  GIS & Photogrammetry, Geography, or Geology. For more information, see the department web site at http://www.etsu.edu/scitech/entc/