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more on engineer degrees 7

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boffintech

Civil/Environmental
Jul 29, 2005
469
I work with a guy that constantly refers to his degree as a “bachelor of science in civil engineering”. I see this guy’s framed certificate on the wall and it actually reads “Bachelor of Engineering Technology”. I have never heard him refer to himself as an engineer. But here’s the thing, no one here considers the guy an “engineer”. He is a low level CMT technician, has been for 10 years, and will likely continue to be one for the next 20.

1) Is it a matter of poor ethical judgment for him to refer to his degree in the manner in which he does?

2) Should I just MYOB?
 
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RDK,

I am licensed in 10 states. In about 1/2 of them, anyone can refer to themselves as an engineer. But in the other half, only PEs can call themselves engineers. I've read the rules that each state has on this, so I am quite sure of what I'm talking about and its not my particular interpretation of the law. New Jersey is one of the states where only PEs are engineers. The only exception to this is for the employees of manufacturing firms and even then its only within the confines of their office. So the moment that these folks have any communication with anyone outside the office, they are NOT engineers of any kind.

Ashereng,

What state do you work in? I'll be happy to look up the regulations regarding whether your state allows you to call yourself an engineer.
 
EddyC,

I have worked in the State of Illinois (The Prairie State).

My lack of knowledge was in which states can anyone refer to themselves as an engineer (without a PE).
 
Ashereng,

New York is a state that does allow non-PEs to refer to themselves as engineers. It is not unique in this position, as others allow it also.

Regards.
 
Years ago, while working for another employer, our engineers at our firm could no longer call themselves "engineers". Our line of work involved giving expert opinions in courts. According to Florida state law, unless you were a PE, you could not refer to yourself as an engineer. Guys that had achieved even PHD engineering degrees had to state their title was "accident reconstructionist" and not an engineer. It all has to do with offerring service to the public. Engineers working for manufacturers for instance are under the corporate umbrella.
 
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