I have a big question as to when I will be eligible to take the PE exam.
My state says eligibility begins “4 years experience after a bachelors, or 3 years experience after a masters”
I got my BS in 2014, MS like last month (got it concurrently while working). So, if I go through the BS route, I get eligible 2018? And MS would be 2019? Makes no sense.
Also, do internships count? I had a few summers at an engineering firm under a PE, and may use it to shave off 9 months if that counts.
The work experience rules, generally, assume that your education was continuous. So they are essentially giving you a year of work experience for a masters degree. Directly ask your own state board for clarification.
Can’t directly address your question about internships, but I can tell you as a PE, I would not sign off as a reference for your work experience before you had you degree. Personal professional opinion on my part.
Why the rush to get your PE? It’s a normal stepping stone for many engineering careers. You’ll get there.