I would recommend reaching out to the licensing board for the state where you anticipate applying for licensure. I have found that here in Oklahoma they are helpful in answering questions about the licensure process.
Based on what you've asked here, this is what I would ask them:
- if your university isn't accredited in the semester you graduate, how does that impact your licensure?
- if it does, what documentation or extra steps are required to be allowed to sit for the PE exam?
- can any of those steps be taken care of when applying for an EI (sometimes called EIT) certification instead of waiting?
Since NCEES administers the FE exam and that is your next step, their application information should give you what you need to know about sitting for that exam. I would recommend taking this exam before graduation; I took it before my final semester. I don't recall if I've ever had to contact NCEES with questions, but their FAQ sections are usually helpful.
As for internships, try to take any upper-level courses you can that are related to your area of interest if you are wanting a specific type of internship. Take advantage of any career fairs offered. Before speaking with companies, check out their website and have some specific questions for them. It can even be something along the lines of, "I saw on your website that you worked on the ____ project, which looked really interesting. Do you get the opportunity to work on many projects like that?"
If you know any upperclassmen, ask them about their experience finding internships. They may even be able to recommend you to where they have worked previously.
Best of luck!
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Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
Tulsa, OK
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-01-2021 11:29 AM
From: John Schwartz
Subject: PE Requirements
Hello all,
My concern is that I am currently working on my B.S. in Civil Engineering at Liberty University. They are currently applying for ABET Certification in for the 2023-2024 term. Online Program Description- See all the great classwork I am completing! I plan to graduate in the Spring of 2023. How will this effect my plan to earn my PE license? Will I have to work at as a intern for an extra two years since I did not graduate from an ABET Certified Engineering Program? Or will I be able to take my PE exam after two years work experience under a PE? What recommendations do you have to increase my chances of earning an internship next year? Any other recommendations?
Thanks,
John Schwartz
Civil Engineering Student at Liberty University