Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Geospatial Engineering Bachelor's Degree

What if you had a high-tech job, but spent your work day outside, enjoying nature and fresh air each day? If you like computing and the great outdoors, you may well be suited to be a geospatial engineer.

Our faculty are Licensed Professionals that will provide students with real world experiences in a small class environment. Studying geospatial engineering is both an adventure and a learning experience. Geospatial engineers—formerly known as surveyors—measure the physical features of the Earth with great precision and accuracy, calculating the position, elevation, and property lines of parcels of land.

Our students learn about geospatial systems and spatial data acquisition technologies by means of high-precision optical and electromechanical instruments, satellite and aerial remote earth observation systems, aerial and terrestrial Lidar, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Our curriculum includes the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), High Definition Surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well as traditional Surveying technologies, along with numerous other options in the geospatial engineering toolbox.

The Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering exposes you to topics typically found on state professional surveyor's exam, as well as geoinformatics topics like GIS, photogrammetry, and remote sensing. Professional surveying prepares students to become State Licensed Professional Surveyors. Core focus is tied to the accurate location of real property boundaries, data capture of the natural/man-made objects on the earth's surface, and digital mapping for use in design or planning.

Explore a career pathway that suits your interests by reviewing program electives.

  • 100%
    job placement for geospatial engineering grads
  • 60,000+
    new geospatial engineering/surveying jobs in the US last year
  • 25+
    members of the Michigan Tech Douglass Houghton Student Chapter of the National Society of Professional Surveyors

What is Geospatial Engineering?

Geospatial engineering is a field that combines principles of engineering, geography, and surveying to collect, analyze, and manage spatial data.

It involves the use of various technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing, and computer-aided design (CAD) to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and visualize geographic information.

Geospatial engineers work on projects related to land surveying, mapping, urban planning, environmental assessment, infrastructure development, disaster management, and natural resource management. They use their expertise to create accurate maps, models, and databases that help in decision-making processes for various industries including transportation, agriculture, telecommunications, and urban development. 

Geospatial engineering plays a crucial role in understanding and managing the spatial aspects of our world, enabling better planning, resource allocation, and problem-solving.

Common applications include mapping and measuring various aspects of the earth.

Tomorrow Needs Geospatial Engineers

Many different industries require the expertise of geospatial engineers including architectural firms, engineering firms, government agencies, real estate sales agencies, and mining companies to name a few. Many industries rely on the geospatial data and products that geospatial engineers provide and the need is increasing with advances in technology.

Be Career-Ready

With a 100% job placement rate for graduates, you'll be ready to engineer a better tomorrow. Our curriculum is comprehensive with courses in field practice, boundary law, geospatial monitoring, geoinformatics, GPS, GIS, photogrammetry, geodesy, spatial data adjustments, remote sensing, hydrographic surveying, and more. Tomorrow needs geospatial engineers who can measure, model, and perform on the job from day one. We're ready. Are you?

Career Opportunities for Outdoor-Loving Geospatial Engineers

  • Professional Surveyor
  • Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)
  • Photogrammetrist (CP)
  • Surveying Engineer
  • Geospatial Engineer

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying geospatial engineering at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

Jacob Heck
“Sitting at a desk job from 9 to 5 never truly appealed to me; I was looking for a career that would fulfill my need for adventure and allow me to spend time outdoors.”Jacob Heck '10, Geodesist at National Geodetic Survey

Earn an ABET Accredited Engineering Degree

With ABET accreditation, you can be sure that your Michigan Tech degree meets the quality standards that prepares you to enter a global workforce.

And, because it requires comprehensive, periodic evaluations, ABET accreditation demonstrates our continuing commitment to the quality of your program—both now and in the future.

Sought Worldwide

ABET's voluntary peer-review process is highly respected. Its criteria are developed by technical professionals and focuses on what you, as a student, experience and learn. It adds critical value to academic programs in technical disciplines—where quality, precision, and safety are of the utmost importance.

Geospatial Engineering Program

When you graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering from Michigan Tech, you’ll possess the technical and managerial skills needed to enter a career in geospatial engineering, land surveying, photogrammetry, and mapping—both in the field and in the office.

Read more about geospatial engineering accreditation, educational objectives, and student outcomes.

ABET logo

Geospatial Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Surveying and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

The CEGE Department

In the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering you'll learn from top faculty who are experts in engineering areas including structural, construction management, earthquake, highway, railroad, municipal, water and wastewater, pollution prevention, air quality, measuring and managing land data, and environmental modeling—all incorporating sustainable engineering practices. Upon graduation, you'll be in demand by employers who value your technical knowledge and ability to perform on the job from day one.

  • Our state-of-the-art facilities allow students to experiment with civil engineering materials and advanced technology. The department maintains a pilot-scale environmental simulation lab, as well as labs dedicated to the study of asphalt.
  • Get ready to contribute on the job from day one. Our students benefit from hands-on experiences ranging from Senior Capstone to internships and co-ops. Our department has one of the highest co-op rates on campus, due to the great demand for our students. Ninety percent of our students land a summer internship before they graduate.
  • Our staff and nationally recognized faculty focus on giving students the personal attention and support necessary for not only academic success, but also a positive undergraduate experience overall.
  • The innovative Rail Transportation Program is one of the first in the nation. Its mission: to advance rail education and research across disciplines. Its unique opportunities include professional networking, education, conferences, guest speakers, and plenty of field trips!

CEGE Programs

Or, start with our General Engineering option and give yourself time to decide.

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

We are committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 17 degrees to choose from, and 160 faculty in the College of Engineering alone, we provide a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

As a student at Michigan Tech you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, immerse yourself in experience-powered learning, and gain a thorough understanding of engineering practice. Collaborate and innovate in laboratories, coursework, Enterprise, and Senior Design—you'll work with industry partners on real engineering projects and develop strong skill sets for your future.

You could study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to one full year. Or focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s D80 program offers you a range of options.

More than 400 employers regularly recruit our students for internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. Engineering students average seven interviews, and 98 percent are employed within their field of study, enlist in the military, or enroll in a graduate school within six months of graduation. A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere.

Tomorrow Needs You

Engineers do a lot of things, but there's one thing we do first and foremost: we help people. We use creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in health care, energy, transportation, hunger, space exploration, climate change, and more—much more. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

Student Stories

“There is a shortage of professional surveyors, who must have a four-year degree and pass a state licensure exam. Only two Michigan colleges offer a bachelor’s degree — Michigan Technological University in Houghton, with which NMC has a transfer agreement, and Ferris State University.”Traverse City Record Eagle