Engineering students top national rate

ANGOLA, Ind. – May graduates of Trine University who took the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination exceeded the national average for passing the test.

The passing rate for Trine engineering seniors majoring in chemical engineering is 94 percent and the national average is 86 percent.

Those majoring in civil engineering passed at a rate of 89 percent compared to the national average of 80 percent.

Mechanical engineering majors passed at a rate of 89 percent while the national average is 83 percent.

The test was administered in April and the results were released in late May.

"I am proud, but not surprised by our students' impressive results," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. "Our students are taught by faculty members who bring professional experience to the classroom while our quality laboratories give students hands-on experience."

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) administers the test, which is typically the first step in the process leading to the professional engineer license. It is designed for students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree, according to NCEES.org.

"The test measures independently how well our students are prepared to take professional jobs," said VK Sharma, Ph.D., dean of the Allen School of Engineering & Technology. "Certainly this class has done very well."

The test results are also viewed by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Trine University's programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.