From MET to ME

Corbett
Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:50:14 +0000

I was under the impression that you were able to legally call yourself an engineer as long as you had an engineering position anywhere in the US, but i guess that isn’t true…

The rules vary on a state by state basis. In California, for example, anyone can legally claim the generic title of “engineer” (regardless of degree). However, only a state-licensed Mechanical PE has a legal right to the title of “mechanical engineer” (again, regardless of degree). But other states have different rules.



either way, MET grads are able to take the FE and continue to get a PE to become licensed.

Actually, this also varies from state to state. In many states, such as California, a 4-year technology degree is acceptable for the PE exam, although technology grads typically need more qualifying work experience than engineering grads. In other states, engineering degrees are strictly required; you cannot qualify for the PE with a technology degree, regardless of experience.