Applying for PE exam without an ACE/ABET accredited degree

[kwc713]

Hello everyone! I recently posted about advice on which PE exam to take, but I had a different question about applying for the exam. I recently graduated from Cal Poly Slo with an MS in Engineering and a Specialization in Biochemical Engineering, but my BS (also from cp slo) is in Biology. Although all the BS engineering programs at Cal Poly are ACE/ABET accredited, none of their MS engineering programs are. Apparently it is rare for a school to peruse accreditation for MS programs. Anyway, I contacted the CA board of professional engineers and they said when the time comes (after 1 year of work experience under a PE) I can apply and they will review my transcripts and determine if it is compatible with their requirements. However, if they decide it's not good enough it sounds like I would have to wait 5 more years (with an EIT) in order to be able to take the PE exam. Ii know my situation is kinda strange, but does anyone have any tips/advice/experience with this? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[cvg]

shame on CalPoly for not advising you a little better. Depending on MSCE requirements, it is very possible you did not take all the fundamental classes required of a normal engineering student. You may want to push the board a little harder for a more critical review because it seems you will be losing a year or more waiting to apply. The good thing is that you might not need to be registered in order to work in your field.

 

[gbam]

I went through a similar situation with my undergrad degree in Hydrology UofA. The Hydrology program was under the Engineering and Mines which was ABET accredited; however, the Hydrology program was not. I specialized in surface water engineering and took many of my classes in the Civil department. I had to wait an additional 2-years before I could sit for the PE exam. I applied at 4-years (which was standard for Arizona) only to be rejected and told to wait the additional 2 years. I waited got my PE and all is well. You will just have to go through the steps.

 

[jgailla]

Keep in mind also that you may have trouble getting reciprocity later.

 

[kwc713]

Thanks everybody!

It sounds like it will most likely be a 6 years. I am, currently working in a firm that does mostly water resources with some environmental work, so at least getting some civil PE references will be easy when the time comes. Until then it looks like there may be some other certs to pursue.