Unlocking the Future of Surveying: SIUE's Groundbreaking New Program

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) addresses the critical shortage of land surveyors in Illinois and beyond with its new Surveying and Geomatics bachelor's degree program.

In civil engineering and various infrastructure development industries, land surveyors play an important role in guiding projects forward. However, despite their vital contribution, there is a shortage of land surveyors across Illinois and the wider United States.

Approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 2023, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) introduced the new Surveying and Geomatics (BS) bachelor’s degree program with support from industry partners and leaders. This program is the only one of its kind within a 400-mile radius of St. Louis, MO.

Driving the development of this program is the increased demand for skilled surveyors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth trajectory through 2032, translating to a need for over 2,300 proficient professionals over the next decade.

What sets SIUE’s program apart is its comprehensive approach, a cross-campus collaboration with the Department of Geography, graduating "super surveyors" adept in both 2D and 3D spaces.

Graduates of the program can pursue careers as Professional Land Surveyors, Drone Pilots/Aerial Mappers, Hydrology Surveyors, Urban Planners/Business Owners, and GIS Specialists/Geospatial Analysts, or Cartographers.

As a dedicated Founding Partner of this exciting new program, Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. looks forward to inspiring future surveyors and geospatial professionals, as well as contributing to the growth of career opportunities within this dynamic field. Becoming a supporting partner of the program unlocks a wide array of benefits, from named scholarships nurturing the next generation of talent to speaking engagements with students and year-round recognition.

Interested in contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Surveying and Geomatics Program? Please contact Mrs. Lisa Smith, Director of Development, School of Engineering, at lsmitag@siue.edu or (618) 650-5186 before the participation commitment deadline of August 1, 2024.

April 18, 2024 – Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) Vice President Austin Ridgely (left photo, second from the left) presents a gift on behalf of HLR in support of SIUE's new Surveying and Geomatics bachelor’s degree program during the ONE DAY, ONE SIUE day of giving event at the Morris University Center on the Edwardsville campus.

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