Geospatial Engineering Bachelors Degree | College of 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 excel at geospatial engineering.

As licensed professionals, our faculty provide students with real world experiences. Studying geospatial engineering is both an adventure and a learning experience. Geospatial engineers are surveyors. They measure the physical features of the Earth with great precision and accuracy. Geospatial engineers calculate the position, elevation, and property lines of parcels of land.

Our students learn about geospatial systems and spatial data acquisition technologies. Such methods rely on high-precision optical and electromechanical instruments. Learn satellite and aerial remote earth observation systems. Use aerial and terrestrial lidar, as well as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Our curriculum includes the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and High Definition Surveying. Become familiar with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Try out traditional surveying technologies and other options in the geospatial engineering toolbox.

The Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering orients you for the state professional surveyor's exam. Geoinformatics topics include GIS, photogrammetry, and remote sensing. Professional surveying prepares students to become State Licensed Professional Surveyors. A core focus is the accurate location of real property boundaries. This includes data capture of the natural/man-made objects on the earth's surface. We often use methods of digital mapping in design or planning.

No. 13
Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
No. 2
Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
No. 3

Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
No. 9
for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Tomorrow Needs Geospatial Engineers

Many different industries need the expertise of geospatial engineers. You can work with architectural and engineering firms. Collaborate with government and real estate agencies. Share a project with mining companies. Industries also rely on the geospatial data and products that geospatial engineers provide. 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. Learn field practice, boundary law, and geospatial monitoring. Practice geoinformatics, GPS, GIS, and photogrammetry. Use geodesy, spatial data adjustments, remote sensing, and hydrographic surveying. Tomorrow needs geospatial engineers who can measure, model, and perform. Be agile on the job from day one. We're ready. Are you?

Explore career opportunities for geospatial engineers.

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

$50,984 mean entry-level salary
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

Engineering Salaries

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.

Jacob Wysko on Geospatial Imagery

Ever since I was young, I’ve always had a keen interest in mapmaking and cartography. I liked to make detailed maps of the house and property that I grew up in. Finding out that there is a degree and career based around making detailed and accurate surveys really sparked my interest.

Jacob Wysko ‘24

BS Geospatial Engineering

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE)

Learn from top faculty who are experts in engineering areas including construction management and structural, environmental, and highway engineering.

Take classes featuring sustainable engineering practices.

Try our pilot-scale environmental simulation lab.

Experiment with asphalt and other civil engineering materials.

Receive the personal attention and support necessary for academic success.

Find out about our innovative Rail Transportation Program.

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is 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, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project.

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus.

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and beyond. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

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