<p>
It’s true that an ABET-accredited engineering degree is important in civil engineering. Civil engineers generally need a PE license, and state boards always prefer (and sometimes require) ABET degrees.</p>
<p>However, state boards don’t distinguish between ABET-accredited degrees in different engineering disciplines. They only care that the degree is ABET-accredited; the exact discipline doesn’t matter. So if you have an ABET-accredited degree in mechanical engineering, then you have exactly the same eligibility for the civil PE exam as someone with an ABET-accredited degree in civil engineering (and the reverse is also true). </p>
<p>This is important if you are considering a school such as UCSB. USCB doesn’t offer civil engineering degrees, but it does address some aspects of civil engineering in the mechanical engineering department. You could get an ABET degree in mechanical engineering from UCSB, focusing on civil topics, and still be eligible for civil PE licensure.</p>