May 20, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Surveying and Mapping Science Major, B.S.


Department Information


Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology and Surveying
PO Box 70552
213 Wilson Wallis Hall
Phone: (423) 439-7822
Fax-Admin: (423) 439-7830
Fax-Faculty: (423) 439-7750

Web address: https://www.etsu.edu/cbat/applieddesign/default.php

Dr. Keith Johnson, Dept Chair
Email: johnsonk@etsu.edu

The Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Surveying, a unit of the College of Business and Technology [CBAT], is one of the largest and most academically diverse units of East Tennessee State University. The Department offers undergraduate degree programs in numerous concentrations, undergraduate minors in two areas, and graduate degree programs in three concentrations. Additionally, there are many majors and/or programs that are available through the Academic Common Market allowing out-of-state students to enroll at ETSU at in-state tuition rates.

The department’s administrative and faculty offices are housed in Wilson-Wallis Hall. https://www.etsu.edu/cbat/applieddesign/contactus.php

Work done for an Associate Degree will not substitute for 4xxx level work.



(Click image to hear from Surveying student Jacob Owen.)

Surveying and Mapping is accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

It is designed to meet the following objectives and outcomes. Within two to four years, graduates of the program will:

Be prepared to successfully pursue their professional career objectives in a land surveying and mapping-related field.
Students at graduation will have:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
  2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
  3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
  4. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
  7. Successfully Complete the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam.

Students in Surveying and Mapping Science pursue coursework leading to professional land surveying practice. Core courses include plane, geodetic, and boundary surveying. By taking a core of 74 credits in surveying related courses, students are well-prepared for future licensing and professional-level positions with surveying and engineering firms, government service, utility companies, and related industries.

Transfer Policy


All non-technology coursework such as English, mathematics, and science is evaluated for transfer by an analyst in the Office of Admissions. All technology coursework submitted for transfer will be analyzed by the department chair or the appropriate program coordinator. The following criteria apply:

  1. Coursework must have been taken at a regionally accredited two- or four-year institution.
  2. Coursework must be equivalent to an ETSU course; if not, it will count as elective credit.
  3. Only coursework for which a grade of C (2.0) or higher was earned will be accepted for transfer credit for courses in English, mathematics, science, and technology.
  4. No associate degree coursework will be accepted for Engineering Technology coursework at the 4xxx level.

Upon admission, the transfer student may consult the corresponding academic advisor for an agreement listing the coursework that must be successfully completed by the student.

Students contemplating the transfer of their technology-based associate degree should read the policy statement regarding transfer student admissions elsewhere in this catalog and confer with the corresponding academic advisor with the Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Surveying.

Degree Requirements: 128 credits


Compass Core Curriculum

41-42 credits
Major Total Requirement 86 credits
     Major Core    (83 credits)
     Advisor Approved Electives    (3 credits)
TOTAL 128 credits

Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: SUVM-BS   


Compass Core Curriculum   

TThese requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Major Specific courses listed in the Compass Core Curriculum Requirements:

Major Specific Grade Requirement: Students must earn a minimum grade of C in the Major Core courses.

Total Requirements for Surveying and Mapping Major: 86 credits


Surveying and Mapping Major Core Requirements: 80 credits


Advisor Approved Electives: 6 credits


Six (6) credits must be taken from an approved list on file with the department. No course on the list can be double counted toward a disciple core course or General Education requirement. Students are expected to package these electives together in a way that fits their unique career goal.

Choose from:

No Minor Required


Additional Information


Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

CSCI 1100  or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements. 

Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.

International Student Seminar Policy


International Students : Must complete 4 credits of International Student Seminar  as part of their undergraduate program.