Diploma to Degree in Civil Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision to pursue a degree in civil engineering after obtaining a Civil Engineering Technology Diploma. Participants explore the implications of this choice regarding licensing, salary differences, and the value of additional education in the context of civil engineering careers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the additional four years for a degree is worth the effort, considering potential salary differences between Civil Technicians and Civil Engineers.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding local licensing regulations, noting that in their state, ABET-accredited graduates require less experience to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license compared to non-ABET graduates.
  • There is a clarification on the meaning of licensing, specifically regarding the ability to "stamp" construction projects, which is necessary for legal approval in the U.S. and similarly in Canada.
  • One participant mentions a recent change in Alberta allowing engineering technicians to become licensed as Professional Technologists (P.Tech) after a certain period of experience and passing an exam.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the salaries of P.Eng and P.Tech would be similar, with a suggestion to consult the Canadian labor bureau for more information.
  • Another participant observes that in the U.S., engineers typically earn more than technicians at the same level.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of pursuing a degree versus remaining with a diploma, particularly regarding salary and licensing. There is no consensus on whether the additional education is justified, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the comparative salaries of P.Eng and P.Tech.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific licensing requirements and salary expectations that may vary by region, indicating a dependence on local regulations and job market conditions.

R.Wong
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Hi, I'll be graduating this year obtaining my Civil engineering Technology Diploma, but i wasn't sure if i should go back to university to get a degree in civil engineering. Is an extra 4 years worth all the trouble? Would the pay be that much of a difference? Couldn't a Civil Tech make as much as a Civil Eng with many years of experience? Thanks!
 
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R.Wong said:
Hi, I'll be graduating this year obtaining my Civil engineering Technology Diploma, but i wasn't sure if i should go back to university to get a degree in civil engineering. Is an extra 4 years worth all the trouble? Would the pay be that much of a difference? Couldn't a Civil Tech make as much as a Civil Eng with many years of experience.
Find out what the licensing regulations are where ever you are. If you can get licensed with your tech diploma, it's probably not worth the trouble, but laws are wonky. In my state, a graduate from an ABET accredited program needs about 4 years experience to get his PE, someone from a non abet grad needs 12 or so. But a non abet-grad also needs a couple of years of experience just to take the FE, which the abet-grad doesn't.
 
story645 said:
Find out what the licensing regulations are where ever you are. If you can get licensed with your tech diploma, it's probably not worth the trouble, but laws are wonky. In my state, a graduate from an ABET accredited program needs about 4 years experience to get his PE, someone from a non abet grad needs 12 or so. But a non abet-grad also needs a couple of years of experience just to take the FE, which the abet-grad doesn't.

Does license means you can stamp?
 
R.Wong said:
Does license means you can stamp?
I don't know what that means. In the United States, you need a licensed engineer to sign off on a construction project before you can build just about anything.

Your profile says that you're in Canada, and looks like the regulations there are similar to the states. engineering in Canada info sheet
 
Last edited:
story645 said:
I don't know what that means. In the United States, you need a licensed engineer to sign off on a construction project before you can build just about anything.

Your profile says that you're in Canada, and looks like the regulations there are similar to the states. engineering in Canada info sheet

Yeah that's what i meant by stamping.
I believe this year they implemented something in Alberta allowing engineering techs to be licensed as a P.Tech after about 10-12 years of experience, plus you must right an exam in order to get the P.Tech license.
If that's the case would the salary between the two P.Eng and P.Tech be similar? =/
 
R.Wong said:
If that's the case would the salary between the two P.Eng and P.Tech be similar? =/
Check the Canadian labor bureau, and job postings online, but from what I'm finding in the states, engineers almost always make more than technicians at the same level.
 
story645 said:
Check the Canadian labor bureau, and job postings online, but from what I'm finding in the states, engineers almost always make more than technicians at the same level.

Alright. Thanks a lot for your help, i decided to go back to school to get my degree =]
 

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