<p>I received a BS in environmental science and worked in the consulting field a few years and now work in water treatment. During my consulting time this became apparent: professional geologists (PGs) and PEs were so desirable, that they were essentially required to move up. The principles at the consulting firm were all PGs, with one PE, and then a MS in Environmental Toxicology. The Env Tox could never certify a report on his own, a PG or PE always had to co-sign the document.</p>
<p>I now have begun attending LMU in Los Angeles, CA. They offer a 3-year masters in environmental science / engineering. Note for me it is "science" because of my undergrad degree, unless I take a few additional required classes (and make up calculus deficiencies at LMU or a CC) AND pass the FE exam prior to graduation. My plan is to pursue the engineering degree by taking all required classes and the FE exam. </p>
<p>I am looking for general comments on this situation, or similar situation. Success stories, failed attempts, etc etc. I know a PE who BS'd in Biology, attended LMU for his MS, and now is a PE and working engineer. So it is doable, but I don't know the details of licensing, accreditation, and other items. Any input is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>If you want to work in in the environmental field in California, then ideally you should be licensed as a PG or a PE. You seem to have figured this out. </p>
<p>You probably don’t qualify for the PG. I understand that a degree in geology (or some traditional subdiscipline of geology) is needed to qualify for the PG exam in California. I don’t think that a BS or MS in environmental sciences or environmental engineering would count (although you could check with the licensing board). </p>
<p>So let’s turn to the PE. California (unlike many states) has discipline-specific PE licensing; civil engineers need a Civil PE license, mechanicals need a Mechanical PE license, etc. Also, California (unlike most states) doesn’t have an Environmental PE license or offer the Environmental PE exam: environmental issues are handled by Civil PEs. So what you want is a Civil PE license. </p>
<p>There are also Chemical PEs in the environmental field. However, due to quirks in California licensing laws, a Civil PE has much more legal authority than a Chemical PE. So focus on the Civil PE specifically. </p>
<p>You can take the FE exam in California if you can claim three years of engineering-related work experience or schooling. You may already qualify. It’s very easy to apply for the FE exam; no verification of experience or schooling is required, so it’s a simple one-page form.</p>
<p>If you pass the FE exam and earn an EnvE MS degree, then you would need one year (I think) of Civil PE-supervised work experience to qualify for the Civil PE exam. The PE application is much more complex; it requires transcripts, references, documentation of work experience, etc. The Civil PE exam is unusually difficult in California, because California requires supplemental exams on surveying and seismic issues (neither of which are likely to be addressed in your EnvE program). Most people use study guides or review classes for the PE exam.</p>
<p>So it is possible (though not particularly easy) to become a Civil PE in California without a traditional BSCE. In fact, I know two Civil PEs in California who have no engineering degrees at all: one has an AS in engineering technology, and one is a PhD scientist.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, that is very helpful. </p>
<p>I think I will be qualified to take the FE at any point now, and I was planning on taking it my second year in school. This gives me time to retake if I fail, but I think my chances are better if I take it while in school. </p>
<p>Also, great info on the PE exam. The person I referenced mentioned he passed different portions of the test and then moved on to the next one. Structural took a few tries, and seismic as well. It will be frustrating to go through those exams without much coursework (hello exam prep classes) but if I end up being licensed as a civil PE that just gives me more options. With that said, I still plan to work in the environmental field. </p>
<p>I wonder why CA is one of the states without a specific environmental testing option. That may change in the interim though, as I won’t be taking the PE for at least 5 years I imagine. </p>
<p>Thanks again. If anyone else has comments or anecdotes, please share</p>
<p>My husband is a registered civil engineer in California. Even with an MS in structures, he found the PE exam difficult! I think he got a 76! I was surprised, because he was an outstanding student and always made high grades. So don’t underestimate the difficulty of the test. He did take the test in the late 90s, so it might be different now.</p>
<p>I definitely expect seismic and structures to take multiple attempts. Unfortunate, but true. It will have been a few years since I’ve been in school, plus I doubt my work will have much to do with that. I’ll just have to study and take review courses and really apply myself. Not fun, but it’s gotta happen somehow…</p>