The purpose of the amendment is to update the Boards rules to be more consistent with the ABET standards, and to provide additional means of resolving basis science deficiencies.

 

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

Board of Professional Engineers

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

61G15-20.007Educational Requirements for Applicants without EAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Degrees

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the amendment is to update the Boards rules to be more consistent with the ABET standards, and to provide additional means of resolving basis science deficiencies.

SUMMARY: Educational requests for applicants without EAC/ABET accredited degrees.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board, based upon the expertise and experience of its members, determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 471.008 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 471.013, 471.015 FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Zana Raybon, Executive Director, Board of Professional Engineers, 2639 North Monroe Street, Suite B-112, Tallahassee, FL 32303; [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

61G15-20.007 Educational Requirements for Applicants without EAC/ABET Accredited Engineering Degrees.

(1) Applicants having engineering degrees from programs that are not accredited by EAC/ABET must demonstrate:

(a) 302 college semester credit hours of higher mathematics and basic sciences. Credit hours may be substituted with engineering science courses that are in excess of the requirements of paragraph (1)(c).

1. The hours of mathematics must be beyond algebra and trigonometry and must emphasize mathematical concepts and principles rather than computation. Courses in differential calculus and integral calculus are required. Additional courses may include differential equations, linear algebra, numerical analysis, probability and statistics, and advanced calculus. Mathematics courses must be intended for math, science or engineering majors; introductory mathematics courses are not acceptable. Computer skills and/or programming courses cannot be used to satisfy mathematics requirements.

2. The hours in basic sciences, must include at least two courses. These courses must be in general chemistry, calculus-based physics, or biological sciences, or earth sciences (geology, ecology, or oceanography), but both the two courses may not be in the same area. For an applicant who has earned both a baccalaureate degree in engineering and a graduate degree in engineering, only one of the two courses is required. Additional basic sciences courses towards the requisite 30 hours of mathematics and basic sciences may include earth physical science, natural sciences (geology, ecology, or oceanography), and/or an advanced science. biology, advanced chemistry, or advanced physics. Basic science courses must be intended for science or engineering majors; introductory science courses are not acceptable. Astronomy, computer skills and/or programming courses cannot be used to satisfy basic science requirements.

(b) 9 college semester credit hours in general education. Examples of acceptable courses include philosophy, religion, history, literature, fine arts, sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, economics, (micro and macro), professional ethics, and social responsibility. Examples of other general education courses deemed acceptable include management (such as organizational behavior), accounting, written and oral communications, business, and law. No more than 6 credit hours can come from courses in management, accounting, business, or law. Courses in engineering economics, engineering management, construction management, systems engineering/analysis, production, or industrial engineering/management will not be counted. Up to 6 credit hours of languages other than the applicant’s native language are acceptable for credit. English and foreign language courses in literature and civilization may be considered in this area. Courses that instill cultural values are acceptable, while routine exercises of personal craft are not. Other means towards satisfying the general education requirement are as follows: Earning a doctoral degree is equivalent to 10 credit hours if the degree is from a college or university in the U.S. that has an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program in a related discipline at the baccalaureate level.

(c) 458 college semester credit hours of engineering science and engineering design taught within the college or by the faculty of engineering. Courses in this area shall have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences but carry knowledge further toward creative application of engineering principles. Examples of approved engineering science courses are mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, electrical and electronic circuits, materials science, transport phenomena, engineering economics, and computer science (other than computer programming skills). Courses in engineering design stress the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation. Graduate-level engineering courses can may be included to fulfill curricular requirements in this area. Thesis or dissertation hours shall not be granted credit. A maximum of six credit hours will be granted for thesis, dissertation, special topics and independent study at any level. Graphics, surveying, or engineering technology courses will not be considered to meet engineering science and design requirements.  Cooperative training, practicums, internships, and continuing education activities will not receive credit.

(d) No change.

(2) No change.

(3) College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) examinations that are outlined at http://clep.collegeboard.org/exams may be recognized as satisfying education deficiencies, provided the exams are in courses that meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(b) above. CLEP exams in biology, chemistry, natural sciences, and/or calculus may be  used to meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(a) above.  For credit to be given, tThe applicant shall achieve a passing score as determined either by CLEP; 3 credit hours shall be granted for each exam, unless the applicant provides evidence that or by showing that the results are recognized by a college or university with an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program will grant more credit. College- or university-level courses can also be taken to satisfy deficiencies. Credit shall not be given for a college, university, or CLEP course if credit in a similar course has already been earned.

(4) The FBPE educational committee shall make the final decision regarding equivalency of education credentials programs and shall make recommendations to the Board as to whether an applicant shall be approved for admittance to the examination or for licensure by endorsement.

(5) An applicant with an engineering degree from a non-EAC/ABET-accredited degree program must request an evaluation of substantial equivalency of his or her credentials to EAC/ABET standards through either of the following: National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, 280 Seneca Creek Road, Clemson, South Carolina 29678; or Joseph Silny & Associates, Inc., P. O. Box 248233, Coral Gables, Florida 33124.

Rulemaking Authority 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.013, 471.015 FS. History–New 7-20-95, Amended 6-5-96, 4-16-98, 1-17-99, 7-28-99, 1-6-02, 6-13-02, 6-30-02, 10-2-03, 6-16-04, 3-13-05, 5-1-05, 6-11-06, 1-29-07, 4-9-07, 1-31-08, 10-15-09, 11-27-11, 2-4-13, 3-17-16,                         .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Professional Engineers

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Professional Engineers

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 7, 2017

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: January 19, 2018