<p>It would depend on the exact wording of your state's laws and regulations. In many (perhaps all) states, a college degree does not necessarily give you the legal right to the title of "engineer"; you also need to get a PE license. It's similar to the situation with lawyers -- a JD degree alone doesn't make you an "attorney", you still need to pass the bar exam.</p>
<p>In California, the plain-vanilla title "engineer" is not legally restricted, but specialized titles like "civil engineer", "electrical engineer", or "mechanical engineer" are. Legally, you have no right to claim such a title unless you hold a PE license in that discipline, as per Section 6732 of the California Business and Professions Code.</p>
<p>In practice, of course, unlicensed people do use those titles; the State will not actually enforce the law unless someone files a complaint. However, attorneys sometimes use the law to discredit unlicensed engineers who are testifying in court. If you are testifying as an "electrical engineer", but you have no PE license, then you are a fraud under state law, and a smart opposing attorney will make sure that the whole courtroom knows it.</p>