NMC surveying is top 2-year program in U.S.

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s surveying program has been named the top two-year program in the nation by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

For the distinction, NMC earned a $25,000 grand prize. The NCEES award jury praised NMC’s program for being industry-driven and providing a variety of professional pathways to students. Jurors considered criteria such as student outcomes and involvement, outreach and recruitment, and the promotion of licensure. The four-year university winner was Penn State University.

NMC began offering an associate degree in surveying in 2019. By collaborating with other college programs, students gain experience in both aerial and underwater surveying as well as traditional land surveying.

“It is a pretty significant award in the industry. We are one of the few schools that actually incorporate the aspects of land, sea and air,” said Ryan Deering, NMC surveying recruiter.

Deering thanked surveying program sponsors including Leica Geosystems, Inc., which has donated state of the art equipment, Atwell, and an anonymous donor who made his position possible.

NCEES is a nonprofit organization made up of engineering and surveying licensing boards from all 50 U.S. states. Founded in 1920, NCEES has been committed to advancing licensure for engineers and surveyors in order to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the U.S. public.

Release date: September 4, 2025

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)

 

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