Bachelor of Science in Geomatics

Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics program:

• Have attempted NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying examination or other professional certification/registration, e.g. FS, PS, CP or GISP, as appropriate for their career path in a geomatics discipline
• Obtain membership in one or more professional organizations relevant to their career of choice.
• Be employed in the fields within the geomatics disciplines, including surveying of various types, mapping and cartography, GIS/LIS, remote sensing, geodesy, photogrammetry or hydrographic surveying.
• Continue their professional development by participating in professional development courses or sessions, or complete higher education courses.
• Teach at least one workshop or training session, make one conference presentation, or publish one article relevant to their career.

Admission Requirements

Satisfy the Application and Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Programs.

Preparation

Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics should prepare for entrance into the program by completing the following high school courses:

The university offers courses to help students without this preparation to meet the skill level required in the geomatics program. Insufficient preparation will increase the number of semesters required to complete the degree.

Advising

All undergraduate students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester for the purpose of reviewing their academic progress and planning future courses. It is particularly important for students to meet with their advisor whenever academic difficulties arise.

Students are encouraged to consult the faculty in the Department of Geomatics for assistance in designing their course of study to ensure that all prerequisites have been met and that university and degree requirements are understood and followed.

Academic Requirements

A student who is unable to earn a satisfactory grade of C or better in the major requirement courses during their initial enrollment may attempt to earn a satisfactory grade one additional time on a space-available basis. Failure to earn a grade of C or better on the second attempt may result in removal from the geomatics program.

Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfy the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
2. Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
3. Complete the major requirements below.

Major Requirements

Choose one of the following concentration areas: surveying, geospatial or developer.

 A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 42 must be upper-division.

Honors in Geomatics

Undergraduate students may be recognized for exceptional performance by earning departmental honors in geomatics. In order to receive honors, a student must meet each of the following requirements:

1. Complete all requirements for a BS in Geomatics.

2. Meet the UAA requirements for Graduation with Honors 

3. Have a GPA of 3.50 or higher in their courses required for the major. Document a minimum of eight weeks work experience while a student at the University of Alaska Anchorage in a geomatics or geomatics-related position.

Licensure and/or Certification

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics gain four years of education credit toward obtaining a Professional Land Surveyor license in Alaska.

Students planning to seek a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska are required to contact the UAA offering department before enrolling to determine if the program meets the licensing/certification requirements of the state in which they wish to practice.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Geomatics will have:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics and general physics;
• An ability to collect, analyze and interpret data in all of the recognized surveying and mapping areas;
• An ability to identify, formulate and design a geomatics system, component or process to meet desired needs;
• An ability to function on multidisciplinary as well as on interdisciplinary teams;
• An ability to think critically and to solve geomatics problems creatively and constructively;
•  An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
• An ability to communicate effectively;
• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of geomatics solutions in a global and societal context;
• A recognition of the need for, and ability to engage in, lifelong learning;
• A knowledge of contemporary issues in professional practice;
• An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern geomatics tools necessary for geomatics practice; and
• An ability to apply knowledge in all six areas of surveying and mapping:
  • Field surveying and methods;
  • Photogrammetric mapping, image interpretation and remote sensing;
  • Surveying calculation and data adjustment;
  • Geodetic coordinates and astronomy;
  • Cartographic representation, projections and map production;
  • Computer-based multipurpose cadastre, geographic information systems.