ETAC Credential Evaluation Breakdown
NCEES provides a course-by-course assessment of your education. We look at all college-
level classes completed in a bachelor's, master's, PhD, as transfer credits, AP, IB, etc.
Courses are placed in each category (math/science, engineering science/design, general
education, and elective/other) based on the course descriptions. Our assessment is not
exclusive of a master's in engineering. It will involve all classes at all schools. You will need
them all to be considered. If you’ve had a chance to thoroughly review the NCEES
Engineering Standard, you likely understand what courses you need. We are determining if
the combination of all your college studies can meet the NCEES Engineering Education
Standard.
I can tell you that someone with a strong math/science undergrad will usually meet the
math/science requirements. Even with a combined master's in engineering, often they do
not meet the engineering science/design requirement. It is 48 semester credit hours, and
the typical engineering master's has 30 hours. Eighteen hours or about 6 more classes are
needed. If you took (or plan to take) several prerequisite, undergrad courses, you may be
alright.
The Standard will tell you what is acceptable or not. No math below calculus. Below is
typically what an engineer completes in his/her undergrad degree.
Calculus I - 4 hours
Calculus II - 4 hours
Linear Algebra - 3 hours
Probability & Statistics - 3 hours
Dierential Equations - 3 hours
Physics I (calc based) - 4 hours
Physics II (calc based) - 4 hours
Biology I OR Chemistry I - 4 hours
Biology II OR Chemistry II - 4 hours
You must have Calculus I & II (dierential and integral calculus), and you must have one of
the science combos below. Just one semester of each dierent science is needed, and just
know that two physics won't be enough, because you must have 2 dierent sciences. In
other words, you cannot fulfill the science requirement with only 2 physics, 2 biology, or 2
chemistry classes. Two of the three basic sciences are what you need. Beyond these two
very specific curricular requirements, other math classes and sciences can be used to
arrive at 32 semester credit hours (Calculus III/multivariable, Modern Geometry, Number or
Group Theory/Abstract Algebra, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Astronomy,
Oceanography, Geology, Ecology, Physical Chemistry, Quantum Physics, Optics,
Electromagnetism).
Biology + Chemistry
Biology + Calc-based Physics
Chemistry + Calc-based Physics
Prerequisite, undergrad engineering classes - the basics like statics, dynamics, fluid or soil
mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics - are important. Usually this is necessary
to combine with the graduate courses to attain the 48 hours in engineering science. If there
are deficiencies, it is acceptable to take any needed math/science classes through
community college, online at reputable/accredited schools, or through CLEP -
https://clep.collegeboard.org/exams. CLEP exams that we accept for math/science -
Calculus (1 semester), Chemistry (2 semesters), Biology (2 semesters). If additional
engineering classes are needed, it is necessary to take them through an EAC/ABET
program. You can earn them at the undergrad or grad levels. You can take classes only, and
they do not have to be through a degree-seeking program of study. We include all passed
classes - which includes some D's. It depends on the school, but if the school accepts D's,
then NCEES does as well.
It may not be feasible if you’re working full time, but you might consider transferring your
current program coursework towards an EAC/ABET accredited bachelor’s degree program.
It will serve you better than the BS + MS combo (with equivalent NCEES Credentials
Evaluation). This is not always possible for busy professionals, but if they can find a way,
the time and money tends to be the same as earning a master’s, but the end result is
better.
Below are some ABET links that you might want to research. The first is the link to the
EAC/ABET master's program. There are not many (i.e. about 36). What this means is most
EAC/ABET accredited programs are at the bachelor's level. Very few schools have
accredited master's program. And that is why it would be better and more worth your while
to pursue a post-baccalaureate BS degree in engineering instead of a master's. The second
link is for online EAC/ABET accredited programs. This option may appeal to you if you're
working. These programs would likely transfer many of your completed courses, so the
work to complete the EAC/ABET degree would be about the same as trying to earn a
traditional master's, but again having the EAC/ABET degree is better. You would need no
NCEES evaluation. All boards would accept your education if it is EAC/ABET.
http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx (Sort by master's programs)
https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs/