Professional Standards  for Engineers

Each undergraduate program sets specific academic and professional standards for its candidates. These standards generally align with the ethical codes of professional educational associations. The program reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any candidate who does not meet these standards or fails to maintain an acceptable academic and professional record in their courses.

Engineering Profession Overview

Engineers continuously extend the boundaries of human capability. An engineering education equips individuals for diverse careers centered around impactful technologies.

Through comprehensive training, engineers gain the intellectual prowess, technical expertise, practical experience, and cultural awareness essential for thriving in both professional and global contexts.

Responsibility as An Engineer

The extensive scope of an engineer’s profession carries significant responsibility. Engineers must ensure that their work positively impacts every individual.

At Rutgers SOE, we instill these professional values in our graduates. Our alumni have consistently demonstrated a commendable track record of enhancing the modern world through their contributions.

Professionalism and Ethics in Engineering

Engineers are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity, prioritizing public safety, health, and welfare. The NSPE Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of honesty, fairness, and dedication to protecting the public. In college, students can cultivate these essential qualities by practicing academic integrity and maintaining honesty in all interactions.

Exposure of Student to learn about relevant professional code(s) of ethics and key elements of professionalism in the engineering industry is foundational step. Student are encouraged to engage in self-reflection of the professional, ethical, and respectful nature of their behavior. This facilitates identification of growth opportunities on a personal level. Final goal is transformation in student outlook by seeing them demonstrate tangible growth, change and a positive shift in behavior to act professionally and ethically in all engineering context. They should also exhibit practical knowledge of an engineer’s role in advancement and welfare of society. Rutgers offer many service-oriented societies to instill these values in our students.

Service Oriented Societies

• Engineers in Action (EIA)
• Engineers Without Borders (EWB) 
• North American Society of Trenchless Technology (NASTT) 
• RU ENABLE 

Engineering Societies

Central to the engineering profession are discipline-specific societies that cater to the career needs of their members, uphold professional and ethical standards, and promote advancements in their respective fields.

Each engineering society offers a unique perspective on engineering ethics:

• The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): The only engineering society representing individual engineering professionals and licensed engineers across all disciplines
• The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): A membership organization for mechanical engineers
• The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA): A professional association providing leadership in advancing the aeronautical and astronautical engineering professions
• The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP): An institute that creates networking and educational opportunities for packaging professionals
• Tau Beta Pi: The engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession
• Honors Societies on Campus for engineers
• Diversity promoting Societies in Engineering: SWE, SHE, SASE and MEET/NBSE 

For more information about professional engineering societies, visit the National Academy of Engineering website and search for a specific society.

Rutgers SOE Chapters of Professional Societies offer our young professionals a firsthand experience and active participation in esteemed engineering societies (AIAA, ASME, AICHE, ASCE, ASME, RUBMES, IEEE, IISE, SPE and many more) via student membership. Check out our Student Organizations page for more information.

Engineering Licensure Requirements – State & Federal

Each state in the nation provides engineering licensure to ensure the quality and competence of professionals whose work impacts public safety. For further details on state licensure, please visit the National Society of Professional Engineers.

For NJ state requirements refer New Jersey division of consumer affairs website and State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors page for further information.

Engineering Examination Fundamentals

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is the initial step towards obtaining engineering licensure. Discover more about the FE Exam, including preparation strategies and timelines for when to take it.