Probably because the one giving the course is Ted Madsen.
It's not a question of which is better, education or experience. It never has been the question. Each has a different role in a person's education and each should enhance the other.
It is easier to work for 20 years and not learn a thing than it is to earn a degree without learning anything. Granted, a person who learns next to nothing over 20 years of working probably won't be at any one organization very long, but they are around.
It is also possible to earn a degree and have no idea how to implement one's education into productive work - the educated derelict. Most of them go on to get advanced degrees and then find a teaching job at a university that stresses the importance of a professor having advanced education while virtually ignoring the practical experience component.
Formal education is designed to give the student broad exposure to the wide array of skills, tools, and methods that are within the practice of surveying. Experience is valuable for developing depth in a few areas of practice.
When I see or hear surveyors argue about which is better, I know that the participants of the argument, regardless of which side of the argument they are on, do not understand the role of either in the scope of a complete education for a professional surveyor.
> I have to agree.
>
> In 30 some years as a licensed surveyor I have seen many with 20 years of experience, but in some cases it turned out to be one year of experience repeated twenty times.
:good: :good:
Just curious, do these states that require a 4 year degree not have a sunset rule? I know New Mexico requires you to have a 4 year degree in Surveying but will allow you to take a reciprocal exam if you were licensed prior to that requirement. So for example you were licensed in Oklahoma in 1994 and New Mexico passed the degree requirement in 2000 you could still take the exam w/o meeting the degree requirement. I always figured other states had the same rule.
Cy
> A few weeks ago I received an email that discussed obtaining a Degree in LS from some group, based on your experience.
>
> I believe that it originated with Ted Madson and it mentioned a online discussion in which I was unable to participate.
>
> Is anyone else familiar with this process, or plan?
>
> I am aware that the degree is NOT accredited by ABET but it may satisfy some states requirements and fill a place for folks like me that were licensed way back in the day...
> and are not permitted to apply for licensure in many states in spite of 30 years experience...
>
> Thanks,
> Dtp
>
>
Heck, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying from an ABET accredited university and there is one state that still will not let me take their exam. I will not name any names, but it lies immediately north of Florida and its name does not rhyme with Alabama.
> A few weeks ago I received an email that discussed obtaining a Degree in LS from some group, based on your experience.
>
> I believe that it originated with Ted Madson and it mentioned a online discussion in which I was unable to participate.
>
> Is anyone else familiar with this process, or plan?
>
> I am aware that the degree is NOT accredited by ABET but it may satisfy some states requirements and fill a place for folks like me that were licensed way back in the day...
> and are not permitted to apply for licensure in many states in spite of 30 years experience...
>
> Thanks,
> Dtp
>
>
I haven't heard anything about it. It's an interesting idea though. I know that most of my friends were not required to take PE in college after having been through basic training in the Army, so the idea itself is not without merit.
However, I would submit that the idea is flawed insomuch as surveying experience changes from crew to crew, not just from company to company. I agree with the 1 year 20 times over, but also agree that those chiefs who really knew their stuff, could survey better than those with degrees. I've seen it both ways.
Personally, I don't think it would ever go anywhere. It seems that Ted kicks up dust from time to time, but the reason isn't always apparent. His classes are very good and I recommend them to anyone looking for down and dirty practical application of math. The legal application, IMHO, should come from someone instate as opposed to out of state. He gives a good primer is my point.
