News release
The College of the Canyons Land Surveying Department marked its 20th anniversary with a special celebration held April 18 at the University Center.
The event drew more than 60 attendees, which included program alumni and faculty members.
“As we mark 20 years of the land surveying program, I feel truly honored to have been part of its journey from the beginning,” Regina Blasberg, chair of the land surveying department, said in a COC news release. “This milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, the accomplishments of our students and alumni, and the strong support of our industry partners. I’m proud of the impact we’ve made on the profession and in our students’ lives, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of this continued success.”
The college’s land surveying program was created to help address the growing need for trained surveying professionals in Southern California. From its beginnings, the program has focused on providing students with practical, career-focused education that reflects the real needs of the surveying industries, the release said. Through close relationships with local surveyors and professional organizations, the program has developed a curriculum that blends academic instruction with the hands-on experience essential to the profession.
Since 2006, the program has awarded more than 125 associates degrees and certificates in land surveying. More than 18 students have become professional licensed surveyors, and more than 11 students hold land surveyor in-training certificates.
Attendees included Superintendent-President Jasmine Ruys, as well as faculty members, industry partners, and current students and alumni.
The event featured a panel of alumni speakers who shared how the college’s land surveying program helped them pursue careers in the field.
The program at COC includes 27 units toward an associate degree or certificate in land surveying. Nearly all coursework can be completed remotely or online, with the exception of two hands-on lab classes that provide essential practical experience. In addition, most courses utilize free, open educational resource textbooks, significantly reducing the overall cost of program completion for students, the release said.
For more information about the land surveying program at COC, visit the program’s webpage at www.canyons.edu/academics/surveying.
