Land Surveying - Geospatial Science AAS and Certificates

Program Details PageField / Land Surveying Certificates and AAS Degree

Welcome to the Program Page dedicated to the Land Surveying - Geospatial Science program! This page is designed to give an overview of what the quarter will look like based on the starting point in the year. Click on one of the desired tabs below to view the course schedule. 

 Bookstore Information

Information regarding the materials can be found at the RTC bookstore Links to an external site.. Just fill in the course information and you will be set!

The bookstore has what you need in regards to materials so be sure to check it out! It is always better to be prepared than to wait last second to buy your materials!

 General Overview

This program is not accepting new student enrollments at this time.

How long is the program? There are three options in this program:

• The Field Surveying Technician certificate is 3 quarters (9 months) with 41 total credits for fall and spring start, 4 quarters (up to 14 months) with 41 total credits for winter start.
  • Before fall 2023, this certificate was 40 credits.
• The Land Surveying Technician certificate is an additional 3 to 4 quarters and 43 more credits.
  • Before fall 2023, this certificate was 42 credits.
• The Land Surveying Technician - Geospatial Science AAS degree typically requires 1 more quarter and 10 additional credits (94 credits overall).
  • Before fall 2023, this degree was 97 credits.

When do classes meet? Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in-person for the first year, then online

You will learn field survey techniques, calculations, and office skills through extensive hands-on training. Your class projects involve all aspects of work, from planning, measuring, and presentation of results.

What does a surveying and mapping technician do?

What is the average salary?

$59,370 annually in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most surveying and mapping technicians earn at least $46,320; there is a wide salary range.

Who can I contact with questions?

Who can I contact with questions?

• New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
• For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Field Surveying Technician or Land Survey Technician.

 (Links to an external site.)

Overall Materials Needed:

1. Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers in the RTC Library or Learning Resource Center)
2. USB drive (approximately $20)
3. Working internet connection
4. Textbook ($70 for Field Surveying; $150 additional for Land Surveying)

Minimum GPA or grades to graduate

You need to earn a 2.0 in each SUR class and in COL 101 to finish your certificate or degree. You can earn a 1.0 or higher in the two general education classes required for your associate degree.

 Materials Warning

Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!

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