UE engineering students sweep exams
By
Mark Wilson (
Contact)
Originally published 08:15 a.m., August 13, 2008
Updated 08:15 a.m., August 13, 2008
All 12 of the University of Evansville civil engineering students who graduated last spring passed the grueling eight-hour exam necessary to begin their careers.
The exam is the first step for many who wish to pursue a career in the field after graduation, said Brian Swenty, chair of UE's civil engineering department. Students from small schools and big schools all must take the test.
"That is hard to achieve, even if you are a Purdue or an Illinois University," Swenty said. "This was really surprise. I don't know if this will ever happen again."
Ten of the school's graduating civil engineering students have accepted jobs, while two opted to pursue master's degrees.
"There has been a lot of demand for civil engineers this year," Swenty said.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, a national nonprofit organization of engineering and surveying licensing boards from every state and United States territory, oversees the test. The organization is responsible for developing, scoring and administering the examinations used for engineering and surveying licensing.
Students have two chances to pass the examination, Swenty said, or return to take additional classes before trying again. Those who wish to begin their careers in the field must then work four years with licensed professional before taking another, final eight-hour exam for their license.
This is the first time that Swenty knows about UE students have had a 100 percent passing rate on the test.
UE has placed above the national average in students passing the exam for 10 out of the last 12 years, Swenty said.
"The national average is 73 percent. Our 12-year average is 80 percent," he said.
Last year 14 out of 18 students passed the examination.
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