Surveying Fundamentals

Overview

The Surveying Fundamentals Certificate is intended to serve as a short-course credential for those desiring to pursue licensure as a Professional Surveyor with the state who already have a four-year technical or science degree. This certificate will fulfill the 12 semester hour requirements described in SC Title 40 Chapter 22 Section 40-22-225, Rev. 2016. This 19-credit hour certificate will also prepare students to work as surveying technicians.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

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Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(6 Credit Hours)
EGT-151 Introduction to Cad

Introduction to Cad

ID: EGT-151

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the operation of a computer aided drafting system. The course includes interaction with a CAD station to produce technical drawings.

3
MAT-110 College Algebra

College Algebra

ID: MAT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; determinants; simple linear programming; solutions of higher degree polynomials; combinatorial algebra, including the binomial theorem; and introduction to probability.

3
Semester 2
(11 Credit Hours)
CET-105 Surveying I

Surveying I

ID: CET-105

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes surveying theory and practice; care and use of instruments; traversing procedures; and computation of closure. Also included in this course are differential and trigonometric leveling and computation of the area of real property.

3
PHY-202 Physics II

Physics II

ID: PHY-202

Credit Hours: 4

This course covers physics topics, including mechanics, wave motion, sound, heat, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.

4
Approved Engineering Elective 4
Semester 3
(4 Credit Hours)
CET-205 Surveying II

Surveying II

ID: CET-205

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes electro-optical instrumentation techniques and complex computations used in surveying. Also included are field astronomy, highway curves and topographic surveying.

4
Semester 4
(3 Credit Hours)
CET-251 Highway Design

Highway Design

ID: CET-251

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers a study of the design and construction of a highway. Topics include geometric design, earthwork computations and drainage.

3
  Total Credit Hours 24
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,512.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(6 Credit Hours)
EGT-151 Introduction to Cad

Introduction to Cad

ID: EGT-151

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the operation of a computer aided drafting system. The course includes interaction with a CAD station to produce technical drawings.

3
MAT-110 College Algebra

College Algebra

ID: MAT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; determinants; simple linear programming; solutions of higher degree polynomials; combinatorial algebra, including the binomial theorem; and introduction to probability.

3
Semester 2
(7 Credit Hours)
CET-105 Surveying I

Surveying I

ID: CET-105

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes surveying theory and practice; care and use of instruments; traversing procedures; and computation of closure. Also included in this course are differential and trigonometric leveling and computation of the area of real property.

3
PHY-202 Physics II

Physics II

ID: PHY-202

Credit Hours: 4

This course covers physics topics, including mechanics, wave motion, sound, heat, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.

4
Semester 3
(4 Credit Hours)
CET-205 Surveying II

Surveying II

ID: CET-205

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes electro-optical instrumentation techniques and complex computations used in surveying. Also included are field astronomy, highway curves and topographic surveying.

4
Semester 4
(3 Credit Hours)
CET-251 Highway Design

Highway Design

ID: CET-251

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers a study of the design and construction of a highway. Topics include geometric design, earthwork computations and drainage.

3
  Total Credit Hours 20
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$3,760.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Survey Technician

Survey technicians set up, adjust, and operate the equipment used at surveying job sites. They measure, record, and calculate data based on readings from those instruments. They lie out and recover markings, stakes, and other such signifiers at work locations.

Average Annual Salary

$38,858
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Civil Engineering Firms
  • Site Development Companies
  • Surveying Services

Careers

Civil Engineering Technician

Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan, design, and build highways, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure projects. They also help to plan, design, and build commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects.

Projected Job Growth

+2.0%

Average Annual Salary

$47,865
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Architecture Firms
  • Construction Companies
  • Homebuilding Corporations
  • Infrastructure Firms

What’s next after I complete this program?

Go straight to the workforce

Graduates of this certificate can immediately enter the workforce, getting jobs as survey technicians or civil engineering technicians. Graduates of this certificate who have already completed a four-year technical or science degree can also pursue professional land surveyor licensure.

Associate in Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology at MTC

Graduates of this certificate can take additional coursework in general education areas as well as specialized coursework in the area of Civil Engineering Technology to complete an associate degree.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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