ABET Accreditation

ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental accrediting agency for programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.

Employers, government agencies, and licensing boards worldwide recognize ABET accreditation as a mark of quality, and graduating from an ABET-accredited program can be an important advantage when seeking employment or pursuing advanced education.

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ABET Accreditation Criteria

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) evaluates degree programs based on a set of eight General Criteria that apply to all programs under a specific commission (such as Engineering, Computing, or Applied Science). For a program to be accredited, it must demonstrate that it meets these minimum standards, which are designed to ensure graduates are prepared to enter the professional workforce.

General Criteria

1. Students: Evaluate performance and monitor progress through clear policies for admissions, transfer credits, and graduation requirements.
2. Program Educational Objectives: Maintain broad, documented career goals for graduates that align with the institution’s mission and are periodically reviewed by stakeholders.
3. Student Outcomes: Ensure graduates possess specific skills by completion, including complex problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, and professional ethics.
4. Continuous Improvement: Use a documented process to regularly assess student outcomes and apply those findings to systematically improve the program.
5. Curriculum: Combine math, basic sciences, and technical content into a cohesive path that culminates in a major design or “capstone” project.
6. Faculty: Provide a qualified team of sufficient size to ensure student-faculty interaction and provide leadership in program development.
7. Facilities: Maintain adequate classrooms, labs, and modern computing tools to ensure a learning environment that supports student success.
8. Institutional Support: Ensure the university provides the financial resources, leadership, and staff necessary to sustain and develop the program.

Program Criteria

• Mechanical Engineering programs must demonstrate that students can apply principles of engineering, basic science, and mathematics to model, analyze, and design physical systems.
• Cybersecurity programs must include coverage of data security, software security, and system security.