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One of the program’s competitive strengths is its national standing at ASC for 7-years and prior to that worked in private industry. He
among online surveying and geomatics programs. It holds its own has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Surveying. Rich and
against comparable programs at Idaho State University, the University Nick are both NYS Licensed Surveyors.
of Maine, Troy University, and Rowan University, offering an
equivalent academic breadth and professional rigor while remaining Information about the program and required courses can be
more affordable for many students. found at:
https://www.alfredstate.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/
The degree is ETAC of ABET accredited, affirming that it meets surveying-geomatics-engineering-technology
the same high standards of quality and rigor as other accredited
engineering technology programs. Information about the college can be found at:
https://www.alfredstate.edu
A major advantage of this program is its dual licensing pathway,
preparing students to pursue both the Fundamentals of Engineering An opportunity is available for people who are working and
(FE) and Professional Engineer (PE) credentials. This dual preparation want to complete a BS Degree in Surveying & Geomatics
significantly expands graduates’ career options across surveying, Engineering Technology, to continue to work while completing
construction, infrastructure design, and other civil engineering sectors. the degree online at an affordable cost. For more information
or to discuss options, reach out to Professor Rich Carlson at
Students also benefit from taking electives in areas such as construction carlsorw@alfredstate.edu or Professor Nick Ford at fordnb@
management and civil design, allowing each student to tailor alfredstate.edu.
their academic experience to specific career goals. The department’s
structure supports consistent instructor access, since many of the same About the author:
professors teach across the program’s online and on-campus courses. Rich Carlson has over 30 years’ experience surveying in both the
This continuity fosters a supportive learning community and strong public and private sectors. He is currently an Assistant Professor
networking opportunities with peers and faculty alike. and Department Chair in the Civil Engineering Technology
Dept. at SUNY Alfred State College of Technology. He has an
As a veteran, I’ve found this program particularly affordable and MSCE Construction Management from the New Jersey Institute of
accessible, with tuition held at $295 per credit hour for online Technology (2019), MS Geomatics from Purdue University (1994)
students—even for those living out of state. Veterans can earn a and BSET Surveying from the New Jersey Institute of Technology
respected, ABET-accredited degree at a reasonable cost, entering a (1993). Rich is a licensed land surveyor in New York and New
stable and growing profession that values technical skill and licensure. Jersey and is an ASPRS Certified Photogrammetrist.
Importantly, the online format delivers the same quality education
and faculty engagement as the on-campus experience.
In summary, the BS in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology
program at Alfred State College combines affordability, accreditation,
professional preparation, and instructor support in a competitive package
that stands out among national peers. It is an outstanding option for
those seeking a respected and practical engineering education that leads to
licensure and long-term career success.”
Lectures for surveying classes are provided in a hybrid format.
Professors record the lectures and students can either attend
virtually in real-time or watch later through the learning
management system. Courses can be completed asynchronously.
Students partner with a mentor (surveyor) local to them, through
an agreement, to complete the lab assignments. Students connect
to campus through a VPN and can utilize surveying, GIS and
other productivity software to complete assignments.

Richard Carlson and Nicholas Ford are full-time faculty members
and surveying professors at Alfred State. Rich has been at ASC for
4-years and prior to that worked in both the public and private
sectors for over 30 years in surveying. He has undergraduate and
graduate degrees in Surveying and Civil Engineering. Nick has been
EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 62 • NO 3 / 2026 • MAY/JUNE 19