Surveying, AAS

Surveyors, tasked with measuring and recording property boundaries and topography for construction and engineering projects, utilize surveys to establish legal boundaries, prepare maps and exhibits, and draft land tract descriptions that meet legal criteria. Approved by the Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors, the FVCC Surveying AAS degree fulfills the educational prerequisites for aspiring licensed surveyors in Montana.

Specifically, the program develops fundamental principles of land surveying and mapping along with an introduction to collecting, manipulation, formatting, and mapping geospatial data. In the first year, students focus on introductory technical surveying skills that prepare them for employment as a Survey Technician. In year two, the focus expands to understanding and applying the legal and regulatory aspects of the profession. This combination of hands-on skill development training with legal and regulatory coursework prepares students for the Land Surveying Intern exam.

The program is delivered fully online with practical labs facilitated by licensed surveyors, providing comprehensive preparation for entry-level positions in the field of land surveying.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to

Operate current instrumentation to search for field evidence, take and reduce field notes, and stake construction projects and boundary monumentation;
Function in office activities including calculator operations, computer data entry and analysis, manual and computer drafting of various survey-related drawings, and records research;
Enter a geographic information system entry-level position; and
Possess sufficient theoretical and practical surveying knowledge to sit for the Land Surveyor Intern exam.

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

M 095~ - Intermediate Algebra Credit(s): 4 * ^R ³
M 123 - Surveying Mathematics I Credit(s): 2 * ¹
SRVY 152 - Surveying Graphics Credit(s): 2
SRVY 241 - Introduction to Surveying for Land Surveyors I Credit(s): 5 *
SRVY 248 - Unmanned Aerial Mapping Systems Credit(s): 2
SRVY 268 - CAD for Surveying Profession Credit(s): 4 *

First Semester Total: 19

Spring Semester

M 124 - Surveying Mathematics II Credit(s): 3 * ¹ ^R
SRVY 242 - Introduction to Surveying for Land Surveyors II Credit(s): 5 *
SRVY 246 - Introduction to GPS for Surveyors Credit(s): 2 *
SRVY 247 - Survey-grade GPS Control and Analysis Credit(s): 3 *
SRVY 255 - Surveying Calculations Credit(s): 3 *

Second Semester Total: 16

Second Year

Fall Semester

PHSX 110N - Conceptual Physics Credit(s): 3 *
OR
PHSX 126 - General Science: Physical Science Credit(s): 5 *
SRVY 262 - Public Land Survey System Credit(s): 3 *
SRVY 270 - Legal Principles in Surveying I Credit(s): 5 * ^R *
SRVY 273 - Route Surveying Credit(s): 2 *
SRVY 283 - GIS for Survey Analysis Credit(s): 4

Third Semester Total: 17-19

Spring Semester

COMX 115C - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credit(s): 3
SRVY 265 - Surveying Laws and Land Division Credit(s): 3 *
SRVY 271 - Legal Principles in Surveying II Credit(s): 2 *
SRVY 275 - Analytic Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Credit(s): 3 *
SRVY 280 - Land Surveying Computers Credit(s): 2 *
WRIT 101W - College Writing I Credit(s): 3 *

Fourth Semester Total: 16

Total Credits: 70-72

¹Another math sequence, which includes coursework through Calculus, may be substituted.

²Another physical science class may be substituted with advisor approval.

³For students who place into M 121 Intermediate Algebra (a score of 67% or better on test 3B), this requirement can be waived.

^R Indicates Related Instruction requirement.

*Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Recommended Course Offering:

Students receiving financial aid or veteran’s benefits should check with the Financial Aid Office before registering for recommended courses.

SRVY 290x - Undergraduate Research Credit(s): 1 *

Program Information

To be successful in this online program, students will need access to a computer equipped to handle ArcGIS Pro and CAD as well as reliable, high-speed internet connectivity.
Success in the surveying program requires an above average proficiency in math and strong English skills. A minimum grade of “C-” must be achieved in all required surveying and math courses.
Out-of-state students from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to apply for reduced tuition under the terms of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Contact the Admissions Office at (406) 756-3851 for details.
Students lacking a proficient background in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and/or English, will be advised to complete the survey degree program in three, rather than two, years.

Opportunities After Graduation

Upon completion of this degree, the Land Surveyor Intern (LSI) exam can be taken. In Montana, an additional six years of experience under the supervision of a licensed surveyor is required before the actual licensing (LS) exam can be taken. Students seeking to become licensed in other states should verify specific state educational and experience requirements.

Advising Information:

For more information about this program, contact the advisor.

Academic Advisor	Program Advisor
Russ Lamson	Abbie Steffan
LRC 129	RH 164
(406) 756-3885
rlamson@fvcc.edu	asteffan@fvcc.edu