Order of the Engineer

The Order of the Engineer, Inc. is a symbolic organization that seeks to promote professionalism among engineers and graduates of accredited engineering college programs. It is a fellowship of engineers trained in science and technology and dedicated to the practice, teaching, or administration of their profession. Those who meet the high standards of the Order and wish to join need only attend a Ring Ceremony. This is the only meeting a new member needs to attend. During this ceremony, the new member accepts the Obligation of the Engineer – a lifelong commitment – and is presented with a stainless steel ring. The ring, worn on the little finger of the engineer’s working hand, symbolizes the unity of the profession in benefiting mankind and serves to remind the engineer of the professional ethics and moral conduct to which she or he is committed. The Order was founded in 1970 and has since grown to over 100 Links (local sections) (our Link being #93) located in over 40 states with an estimated membership of 38,000 individuals.

View past WSU inductees

What is the Ring Ceremony?

Engineers in the United States searched for a creed and symbol which would effectively link training with practice, remind the engineer of his/her obligation, and identify members of the engineering profession to one another and to the general public. It is available only to engineers and is given in a special ceremony at universities to graduates in engineering and to practicing engineers nominated as worthy of the privilege. Those participating in the ceremony take an oath, which is a moral obligation to society, to the profession, and to oneself.

After the Ceremony

Participation in the ceremony and the wearing of the ring give no professional standing as such. By taking part in the ceremony, you join nothing in the sense of joining a professional technical society; further, you obligate yourself to no continuing membership meetings or fees. The whole procedure is dependent solely on individual voluntary action now and hereafter. You must attend the ceremony in order to join the Order of the Engineer. Wearing of the stainless steel ring is not compulsory but it is encouraged.

Eligibility for Induction

Those eligible for induction include:

Graduates from engineering curricula accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Licensed professional engineers
Special engineers, who by reason of education, eminence, or experience are deemed worthy of the Order

Why Should I Take the Oath?

As an engineer, you will make decisions that directly impact people's lives. The Oath of Obligation affirms the professional ethical responsibility you commit to uphold, symbolized by the steel band you wear on the small finger of your working hand.

How Can I Take the Oath?

The College of Engineering and Computer Science conducts two induction ceremonies each year.

Students graduating fall semester should participate in the induction ceremony held the night before Fall Commencement in December.

Students graduating spring semester should participate in the induction ceremony held the night before Spring Commencement in April.

Order of the Engineer

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