UB - University at Buffalo
  
Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering


 

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE


The UB civil engineering program is designed to support eventual licensure as a professional engineer (PE). It is strongly recommended that all students consider professional registration as part of their career path (see brochure provided by the American Society of Civil Engineers contained in the Appendix of the Civil Engineering Undergraduate Studies Manual.

Obtaining registration as a PE is a multi-step process that normally includes graduation with a B.S. degree from an ABET-accredited program. Once a student has completed junior-year coursework, he/she is eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, usually while still enrolled as a student. After graduation, the new engineer must accumulate a specified period of experience (usually 4 years) working under the supervision of a licensed PE. The final requirement for registration is the successful completion of the PE exam, which is administered on a state-by-state basis. In most states, completion of a master's degree will reduce the required experience (e.g., from 4 to 3 years). More information about professional licensure is available from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Council of Engineering Examiners and the New York State Department of Education

Although the FE exam can be taken at any point prior to applying for the PE license, most full-time UB engineering students take the exam in April of their senior year (the test is also offered in October). The registration deadlines for the April and October exams are normally in the preceding November and May, respectively. Exams are scheduled for 8 a.m. on the following dates:



2005..........April 15, (PE), 16 (FE)..........October 28, (PE), 29 (FE)
2006..........April 21, (PE), 22 (FE)..........October 27, (PE), 28 (FE)
2007..........April 20, (PE), 21 (FE)..........October 26, (PE), 27 (FE)
2008..........April 11, (PE), 12 (FE)..........October 24, (PE), 25 (FE)

April exams are typically offered in Rochester, NY, while the October exams are given in Buffalo.

To assist with preparation for the FE exam, an evening review class is offered each year by the Engineering Society of Buffalo. The course typically involves a weekly 3-hour review session for 23 weeks. Full-time UB students normally receive a 50 percent discount on the standard course fee.

For more information about the FE exam, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies or visit the information page maintained by the SEAS Office of Student Services.



HIGHLIGHT

New Earthquake Facility

With a $20 million investment in new facilities, CSEE's Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory will be a key node in the NSF's George E. Brown Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, a national earthquake engineering collaboratory.

THE FACES OF CSEE

Jeff Tudini
Wales, NY
Environmental Engineering, B.S. Junior

"I was drawn to environmental because it's outdoorsy. I plan to work right out of school and then go to graduate school for a masters and maybe a doctorate."

PROSPECTIVE UNDERGRADS

You can apply for admission to our bachelor’s programs as an incoming freshman, as a sophomore already enrolled at UB, or as a transfer.

Learn More