FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science Announces a New Degree Program to Address Shortage of Trained and Licensed Professionals in Geomatics Engineering
Port St. Lucie, FL (May 24, 2007) – Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science announces a new bachelor’s degree program in geomatics engineering to help alleviate the shortage of trained land-surveyor professionals. This new, unique program, scheduled to begin in the Fall 2007 semester, was created in response to the 2005 change in Florida Statutes requiring that individuals seeking state licensure as professional land surveyors be trained at the baccalaureate level. Faculty and staff headquartered at the FAU Treasure Coast campus in Port St. Lucie will have the ability to deliver the program throughout South Florida.
“The Treasure Coast community has shown great enthusiasm and interest in this important program,” said Treasure Coast Campus Vice President Gerri McPherson. “Many local engineering firms expressed the critical need for this degree, and FAU was ready to respond.”
Geomatics is a new term incorporating “surveying,” “land mapping” and other aspects of spatial data (information that has a location) management. Geomatics engineers are involved in a wide variety of information gathering activities and applications. They design, develop and operate systems for collecting and analyzing spatial information about the land, oceans, natural resources and manmade features.
Many potential students are working professionals with two-year degrees seeking to upgrade their professional skills and are unable to attend classes during normal working hours. To meet this need, the College of Engineering and Computer Science will offer upper-level courses in a blended system of delivery that best fits the requirements of each course and the needs of students.
"Baseline Engineering and Land Surveying is overjoyed that FAU responded to the desperate need we have in South Florida for new professional surveyors and mappers,” said Baseline Engineering and Land Surveying President and CEO Roxanna Trinka. “The impact the geomatics engineering program will have will be profound. Until now, there was only one university in Florida providing this curriculum. So many talented surveyors in the area have wanted to get their degree but couldn’t leave their jobs or families for the 2 to 4 years it would take to achieve it. We are blessed to have FAU and all its resources to transform this industry."
The undergraduate program in geomatics engineering at FAU will lead to a 120-credit, four-year bachelor of science degree in geomatics engineering (BSGE). This program will provide students with the professional skills required for today’s geospatial specialist.
For more information, visit www.ge.fau.edu, or contact the geomatics engineering office at 772-873-3439.
About Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to providing accessible and responsive programs of education and research recognized nationally for their high quality. Course offerings are presented on campus, off campus, and through distance learning in civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and ocean engineering. For more information about the college, visit www.eng.fau.edu.