Rule 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) 30 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. 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, biological sciences, or earth sciences (geology, ecology, or oceanography), but 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 courses towards the requisite 30 hours of mathematics and basic sciences may include physical science, natural science, and/or an advanced science, computer skills and/or programming courses cannot be used to satisfy basic science requirements.

(b) 45 college semester credit hours of engineering science and engineering design taught within the college or by the faculty of engineering. 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 may be included to fulfill curricular requirements in this area. 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.

(2) Credit By Examination and College Courses.

(a) Deficiencies in Mathematics and Basic Sciences and/or General Education required by paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) above, may be satisfied by passage of an examination identified on the “Articulation Coordinating Committee Credit-By-Examination Equivalencies” (Rev 09/2022) list incorporated by reference in State Board of Education paragraph 6A-10.024(8)(a), F.A.C., and which may be obtained at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-15005.

1. Credit will only be given for exams in courses that meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(a) or (1)(b) above.

2. For credit to be given, the applicant shall achieve a passing score as identified on the list.

3. Three (3) credit hours shall be granted for each exam, unless the applicant provides evidence that a college or university with an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program will grant more credit.

(b) College- or university-level courses can also be taken to satisfy deficiencies. Credit shall not be given for a college or university course or credit-by-examination exam if credit in a similar course or exam has already been earned.

(3) The Board shall make the final decision regarding equivalency of education credentials. The applicant requesting an equivalency determination by the Board bears the burden of presenting evidence regarding equivalency to the Board.

(4) An applicant with an engineering degree from a non-EAC/ABET-accredited degree program must request an evaluation of his or her credentials through either of the following: National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, 200 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607; or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants, 7101 S.W. 102 Avenue, Miami, FL 33173.

(5) Credit toward meeting the education requirements will only be given for coursework with a Grade of “C” or better.

(6) This rule shall be reviewed, and if necessary, repealed, modified, or renewed through the rulemaking process five years from the effective date. Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.013 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, 4-19-18, 12-29-19, 5-27-20, 1-18-23, 5-26-25, 7-27-25.