What Is ABET Accredited and Why It Matters for Students

When you're choosing a degree, it's important to know the quality of the program you're entering. For engineering or computer science options, one way to measure that is through something called ABET accreditation.

But, what is ABET accreditation, and why does it matter? In simple terms, it means the program meets certain high standards set by experts in the field.

ABET plays a key role in shaping STEM education, giving students confidence that their degree is recognized and respected by employers and graduate schools.

Key Takeaways

• ABET accreditation is recognized globally and signals that a program meets high-quality standards in STEM education.
• Completing an ABET-accredited degree can improve job prospects, support licensure, and strengthen graduate school applications.
• Always verify accreditation status through the ABET website or the school’s admissions office before enrolling.

What Is ABET Accreditation?

ABET stands for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. It is a nonprofit organization that evaluates college and university programs in technical fields to make sure they meet high-quality standards. 

ABET’s main job is to review programs in areas like engineering, computer science, information technology, applied science, and engineering technology. When a program receives ABET accreditation, it indicates that professionals have thoroughly assessed its faculty, facilities, curriculum, and other elements to ensure that students are receiving a high-quality education. 

University of North Dakota (UND) is proud to offer many accredited engineering programs by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, including:

• Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
• Civil Engineering (B.S.)
• Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.)
• Geological Engineering (B.S.)
• Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
• Petroleum Engineering (B.S.)

This process helps keep educational programs up to date with current industry needs. Additionally, students are given a clear indication that the degree they select will adequately prepare them for their future careers because ABET places more emphasis on programs than on institutions. 

Why Is ABET Accreditation Important?

ABET accreditation adds value by showing a program meets recognized quality standards. It assures students that their education prepares them well for real-world challenges. Moreover, employers and graduate schools often prefer graduates from accredited programs, making it easier to start a successful career in technical fields.

Meets Industry Standards

ABET accreditation makes sure educational programs match the current standards set by industry professionals and academics. These standards are carefully developed by experts who understand what skills and knowledge students need to succeed. 

They look at everything from course content to teaching methods and available resources. ABET regularly reviews and updates these criteria to keep pace with changes in technology and professional practice. This means students learn relevant material that prepares them for real work challenges. 

Programs that receive ABET accreditation demonstrate a school's dedication to providing high-quality instruction that remains relevant to industry and employer expectations. This alignment helps students build strong foundations for their careers, making their skills more valuable and practical once they graduate.

Enhances Career Opportunities

Many employers give special attention to candidates who graduated from ABET-accredited programs. They trust these programs because accreditation confirms that graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to perform well on the job. For students, this preference may lead to more opportunities and a greater variety of employment options. 

Graduates from accredited programs may also have an advantage when competing for higher starting positions or promotions. The recognition that comes with ABET accreditation signals professionalism and readiness, which helps students stand out during hiring processes. 

Is Required for Licensure and Certifications

For certain careers, especially in engineering, holding a degree from an ABET-accredited program is essential for obtaining professional licenses and certifications. Licensing boards often require proof that an applicant completed an accredited program to ensure they meet the educational standards necessary for safe and competent practice. 

This step is important for maintaining public safety and professional integrity. Without an ABET-accredited degree, students may face challenges in becoming licensed engineers or qualifying for certifications that can enhance their career. 

Therefore, choosing an ABET-accredited program helps students stay on track for long-term professional goals. It provides a clear path toward becoming a licensed professional and gaining credentials that employers highly value.

Supports Graduate School Admissions

When applying to graduate programs in technical fields, having a degree from an ABET-accredited program can strengthen an applicant’s chances. Many graduate schools look for this accreditation as a sign that the student’s undergraduate education meets certain quality standards. 

It gives admissions committees confidence that applicants have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills needed for advanced study. This is especially important in competitive programs where many qualified candidates apply. 

Being from an ABET-accredited program can set a student apart and help smooth the transition to graduate-level work. It shows commitment to quality education, which can support success in challenging academic environments and open doors to further specialization and career growth.

Is Recognized Globally

ABET accreditation is recognized not only in the United States but around the world, with 4,773 programs at 930 institutions across 42 countries having received ABET accreditation. This global recognition can be a big advantage for students who want to work or study abroad. 

Many countries and international employers respect ABET standards and understand the quality assurance behind the accreditation. Having an ABET-accredited degree makes it easier to have your education credentials accepted internationally. 

This opens up opportunities to pursue global career paths or advanced degrees in other countries without extra hurdles. For students dreaming of working in different parts of the world or joining multinational companies, graduating from an ABET-accredited program can provide valuable flexibility and help build a truly international career.

How to Check if a Program Is ABET Accredited

Finding out if a program is ABET accredited is easier than it might seem. ABET provides helpful tools online that let you quickly verify the status of a program. This process is important because it ensures you’re making an informed decision about your education. 

Most students can check accreditation in just a few minutes using ABET’s official website. Here’s how you can check accreditation online step by step:

1. Visit the official ABET website at www.abet.org.
2. Navigate to the “Find a program” tool from the menu.
3. Enter the name of the school or the specific program you want to check.
4. Review the search results to see if the program is listed as accredited.
5. Take note of the accreditation status and the date it was last reviewed.

If you find conflicting information or have any doubts, reach out directly to the program’s admissions office. They can provide official confirmation and answer any questions you may have.

ABET Accreditation vs. Regional Accreditation

When exploring colleges and universities, you might hear about different types of accreditation. Two common ones are ABET accreditation and regional accreditation. Understanding how they differ can help you make better choices about your education.

Regional accreditation focuses on the entire institution. It evaluates whether the school as a whole meets broad quality standards related to administration, resources, and overall student support. Most colleges and universities in the U.S. have regional accreditation, which ensures the institution is trustworthy and offers a solid educational environment.

On the other hand, ABET accreditation is programmatic, meaning it applies to specific technical programs within a school. ABET evaluates programs in engineering, computer science, and related fields to make sure they meet specific standards required by those industries. A school can hold both regional and ABET accreditation, but they serve different purposes.

While regional accreditation confirms the school’s overall quality, ABET accreditation gives added assurance that particular STEM programs provide the depth and rigor needed for professional success. This specialization makes ABET accreditation especially valuable for students planning careers in technical areas.

Should You Choose an ABET-Accredited Program?

Choosing the right program means thinking about your future goals. An ABET-accredited program can be especially important depending on your plans. Here are some situations where having an ABET accreditation is significant:

• Planning to get licensed: If you want to become a licensed engineer or earn certain certifications, an ABET-accredited degree is often required.
• Entering competitive job markets: Many employers look for graduates from accredited programs to ensure they have the right skills. This can give you an edge when applying for jobs.
• Applying to graduate school: Graduate programs may prefer or require degrees from ABET-accredited programs, which can improve your chances of admission.

If your career plans include any of these, an ABET-accredited program is a strong choice. However, if your goals are more flexible or outside technical fields, you might focus on other factors like program fit, location, or cost. 

Take time to think about what matters most for your education and future. Choosing the right program is about matching your needs with the best opportunities.

Conclusion

ABET accreditation helps ensure that a technical program meets high academic and industry standards. It can improve your job prospects, support licensure and certification, and strengthen graduate school applications. While not every student needs an ABET-accredited program, it’s worth checking based on your career goals. 

Before enrolling, take time to verify a program’s accreditation status. It’s a small step that can make a big difference. The University of North Dakota offers a range of engineering programs that are all ABET-accredited. Your future career starts at UND!

FAQs