Does a Master's Degree Give You an Advantage in Your FE Exam Preparation?

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gaining an Engineering in Training (EIT) certification is the first step in the journey of becoming a licensed professional engineer in the United States. The exam is designed to test an individual's knowledge of fundamental engineering principles and their ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways. Passing the FE exam is required before an engineer can take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam and obtain their engineering license. This begs the question, would having a master's degree give you an advantage when taking the FE exam? There are a few key factors to consider when considering this question.

Does a Master's Degree Give You an Advantage in Your FE Exam Preparation?

1. Academic Knowledge

2. Problem-Solving Abilities

3. Studying and Test-Taking Strategies

4. Self-Motivation

Academic Knowledge

A master's degree will provide you with advanced technical knowledge and a deeper understanding of engineering concepts, which can certainly help when taking the FE exam. The FE will test your knowledge of subjects like mathematics, statistics, chemistry, physics, engineering economics, ethics, and more. All of these general topics will be covered in greater depth and technical detail at the graduate level compared to an undergraduate engineering degree. The advanced coursework and research conducted for a master's program expand your base of engineering knowledge, which you can leverage for the FE exam.

However, it's important to note that the FE exam is focused on only testing fundamentals rather than highly advanced concepts. Much of the exam covers engineering principles and skills that would be introduced and developed in an undergraduate program. So, while additional technical knowledge from a master's can be useful, it's not necessary nor required to pass the FE if you already have a solid grasp of the core fundamentals from an accredited undergraduate engineering program. The FE aims to set a minimum level of competency for all engineers at the early stages of their careers.

Problem-Solving Abilities

More so than just technical knowledge, the FE exam emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You have to be able to analyze engineering situations and apply foundational concepts to solve quantitative problems. A master's degree may provide an advantage in that sense, considering several of their courses are aimed at developing strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Graduate-level coursework and research require a student to investigate open-ended problems, evaluate alternatives, and think through solutions rigorously. Master's programs also emphasize higher-order skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and logical reasoning. Dealing with complex technical concepts and assignments hones your ability to parse information, extract key insights, and make calculations—abilities all very relevant to the FE exam. While undergraduate studies certainly teach problem-solving as well, the more advanced skills developed in a master's program can further boost your proficiency.

Studying and Test-Taking Strategies

Pursuing a master's degree also helps develop general studying and test-taking abilities that could easily be applied to your FE exam preparation. A master's coursework requires managing a heavy workload, synthesizing large amounts of information, and applying knowledge across multiple domains. Conducting research develops skills like information gathering, statistical analysis, and technical writing. Master's students have to stick to deadlines, manage stress, and get comfortable taking exams in advanced subjects. These skills earned through graduate school prepare examinees for detailed studying, time management, and test-taking, which are invaluable when preparing for and taking the rigorous 6-hour FE exam.

There have been many who have excellent study habits and many who have certainly prepared well for the FE with just an undergraduate background. The experience of pursuing a master's degree provides an additional level of preparation for those who may need it. The demands of graduate-level academics serve as good training for both the content and process of taking the FE exam.

Self-Motivation

Finally, the drive and self-motivation required to pursue a master's degree beyond your undergraduate education also translate into a greater focus on FE exam preparation. Succeeding in a master's program requires disciplined studying, passion for your field, and the ability to self-motivate over an extended period of time. These soft skills around dedication and focus are important when taking on the challenge of the FE exam. If you have the motivation to consistently study and improve over the 1-2 years of a master's program, you will likely also have the right mindset to stay committed to your FE exam preparation.

While someone without a master's can certainly be highly motivated as well, and there have been many who have done so, the determination demonstrated by pursuing (and completing) a graduate degree shows you have the kind of work ethic and persistence needed to pass the FE. If you have conquered the rigors of a master's program, you have also likely developed the self-motivation needed to fully dedicate yourself and put in the hours required to study and be ready for the FE.

In summary, a master's degree can provide some advantages when preparing for the FE exam, such as:

• Deeper academic knowledge, especially in advanced math/science topics
• Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Improved study and test-taking strategies
• Higher levels of self-motivation and dedication

However, a master's degree is not required to pass the FE exam; plenty of individuals without a master's degree succeed in passing the exam each year. With proper preparation using undergraduate education and FE exam-specific study materials, you can develop the fundamental engineering knowledge and skills needed to do well. The FE aims to test basic competency and is fully feasible without a master's degree. However, the advanced engineering proficiency and academic maturity gained in graduate studies can provide an incremental benefit.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the FE exam tests your comprehension of core engineering principles and your ability to solve problems efficiently. The pursuit or completion of a master's degree would only strengthen both comprehension and problem-solving through advanced technical knowledge and overall academic development. But, for many, it is not mandatory. With diligent preparation, both master's graduates and undergraduates can perform well on the FE exam and take the first step to professional engineering licensure. The degree to which a master's degree helps mostly depends on the quality of the program and your effort to leverage the experience for your FE exam preparation.

Whether you have a master’s degree or not, we can help you pass your FE exam on your first try! Join the tens of thousands of engineers who’ve passed their FE exam with School of PE. Register now!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.