Let me say this as a parent of a cadet who is an engineering major because the questions you ask are the very questions I asked.
First, unlike other universities, the CGA engineering curriculum IN NOT geared towards having its graduates pass the PE licensing tests in any state. In fact, while some may take them, I don't think its stressed as the PE license is really of no immediate use to the graduates since in all likelihood they will not be doing the work of a licensed PE after graduation. I'm sure that you can use your degree elsewhere later - -however, you more than likely will have many other obligations that will make it very hard to maintain your continuing education requirements, not only just to maintain your licensed accreditation, but to even receive it in the first place. I think you should take a different approach to getting your question answered: namely, what does it take to become a successful professional engineer in the private sector and then determine whether you can meet these requirements serving a minimum of five years of active duty. My guess is probably not. On the other hand, if you ultimately choose to attend graduate school on the Coast Guard's dime and focus on an engineering degree, then that's a horse of a different color. Basically, once you leave the Coast Guard, what you have to offer the private sector is a great pedigree and a good bit of management and organization experience in a technical related field. That's not the same as being a professional engineer.
First, unlike other universities, the CGA engineering curriculum IN NOT geared towards having its graduates pass the PE licensing tests in any state. In fact, while some may take them, I don't think its stressed as the PE license is really of no immediate use to the graduates since in all likelihood they will not be doing the work of a licensed PE after graduation. I'm sure that you can use your degree elsewhere later - -however, you more than likely will have many other obligations that will make it very hard to maintain your continuing education requirements, not only just to maintain your licensed accreditation, but to even receive it in the first place. I think you should take a different approach to getting your question answered: namely, what does it take to become a successful professional engineer in the private sector and then determine whether you can meet these requirements serving a minimum of five years of active duty. My guess is probably not. On the other hand, if you ultimately choose to attend graduate school on the Coast Guard's dime and focus on an engineering degree, then that's a horse of a different color. Basically, once you leave the Coast Guard, what you have to offer the private sector is a great pedigree and a good bit of management and organization experience in a technical related field. That's not the same as being a professional engineer.
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