GEOMATICS/SURVEYING CAREERS
The U.S. Department of Labor and Education lists geospatial technology as one of the top three emerging industries in the country.
Geomatics students acquire a broad technical background in land surveying and related geoscience disciplines. This coupled with on-the-job training through our internship program prepares students for a wide variety of technical positions in the local, state and national professional market where the current supply is less than 50 percent of the need.
New satellite technologies learned in the geomatics program can be applied to a multitude of fields. The petroleum industry uses the technology to locate and assess potential reservoirs of oil and natural gas. Energy companies lay out utilities. Police departments track crime areas. Highway engineers monitor traffic patterns. Cartologists produce maps. In a post-Katrina world, surveyors are also helping Louisiana rebuild and relocate levees, realign property boundaries and monitor the rapidly eroding coast and dwindling natural resources.
Your future career in geomatics.
Nicholls geomatics students are in high demand, often receiving multiple job offers before graduation. Louisiana workforce statistics show that at least 60 surveyors are needed each year, leading to many fast-advancement opportunities within the profession. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to register as a certified Professional Land Surveyor in Louisiana as well as pursue careers in:
• Cartography (map making)
• Construction
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Global Navigation Satellite Systems
• Homeland security and intelligence
• Hydrography (water mapping)
• Photogrammetry (measuring objects from photos)
• Remote sensing
• Terrestrial laser scanning
• Unmanned aerial systems (drones)
Career outlook
Data from bls.gov
| Quick Facts: Surveyors | |
|---|---|
| 2021 Median Pay | $61,600 per year $29.62 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | Internship/residency |
| Number of Jobs, 2021 | 50,000 |
| Job Outlook, 2021-31 | 1% (Little or no change) |
| Employment Change, 2021-31 | 400 |
The Nicholls Advantage
Local Internships
As a geomatics student, you’ll learn about different measuring techniques and how to apply your knowledge to real-world projects. Our classes often include service-learning assignments, such as plotting crime trends for a police department, mapping the trash in a local bayou or monitoring an endangered bird’s habitat. You’ll also work with local firms and agencies while completing internships focused on conventional surveying and imaging technology. Outside of the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with the student chapter of the Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors.
Nicholls has the only geomatics program in the state. Because of our dedicated faculty, we have established strong industry partnerships, which allow our students to network with professionals and gain hands-on experience using some of the world’s newest technology. In the past five years, we’ve received nearly $3 million in research and equipment grants in addition to scholarships funds. We offer several scholarships for incoming and current students that range from $1,000 to $5,000.
