You don't have to be an engineer to be a member of SWE. Based on your educational background and work experience, the Admissions Chair will assign you one of the following four member grades:

Affiliate Member

Supports the goals of SWE, but does not have a technical background.

Note: Must be sponsored by a Section President, Section Representative or National Board of Directors member.

Associate Member

Does not have an engineering or science degree from a SWE-approved college or university but is practicing engineering /science in a related field.

Member

Holds a SWE-approved engineering or science degree and/or has up to five years of work experience.

Senior Member

Holds a SWE-approved engineering or science degree and has six or more years of increasingly important work experience. An additional five years of work experience can be substituted for the degree.

Note: Members are not automatically upgraded to Senior Member but must request an upgrade. If you meet the requirements for Senior Member grade, fill out a membership application and upgrade form and submit with your dues renewal.