ABET is an acronym for Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The ABET Board certifies post-secondary degree-granting engineering technology programs that are offered by institutions regionally accredited within the US, as well as nationally accredited institutions outside the US. ABET does not accredit certification, training, or doctoral programs. The ABET organization is officially recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a third-party quality review process for educational institutions or programs. In the case of ABET, the organization only accredits engineering technology degree programs—not degrees, colleges, departments, or institutions. This means that ABET reviews and accredits engineering technology curriculum and facilities at educational institutions.
ABET accreditation is an assurance that the engineering technology degree program curricula meets all quality standards set by the industry. Not only does this install value in the degree earned, it also ensures that graduates of the program meet the expectations of future employers after graduation.
Why is ABET Accreditation Important for Universities?
The intense process of ABET accreditation demonstrates to industry professionals that the engineering technology program has met—or exceeded—the highest standards possible. ABET accreditation is voluntary. Most institutions choose to initiate a strict accreditation process because the designation lends prestige and credibility to their academic programs. A third-party quality review seal of approval from the experts carries a lot of weight!
ABET accreditation would not be granted without the dedication and commitment of the academic institution’s faculty and staff. Accreditation verifies that they are continuously assessing their program quality and making the necessary efforts to boost their output.
Why is ABET Accreditation Important for Students?
Accreditation ensures that the quality of education is gauged by the outcomes (A.K.A. the graduates), rather than self-evaluations by program instructors. ABET accreditation can soothe anxious parents of students as well, demonstrating that the university is trustworthy, the education has merit, and the teachers and administrators are passionate and reliable.
Earning an engineering technology degree is an investment in oneself. Choose a university that has also invested in itself. Choose a university that is certified and accredited by an officially recognized accreditation agency.
Professional Licensing Organizations for Engineering Technology Fields
One of the most important reasons to select an ABET accredited degree program boils down to state licensing requirements. Many states require licensure after graduation. To register for licensure, you must have graduated from a degree program which is accredited by an officially recognized agency.
As an aspiring engineering technologist, this means you must graduate from an ABET accredited degree program to obtain licensure and enter the workforce. A non-accredited engineering technology degree program may not qualify graduates for official licensure, and any degree earned may not carry its weight when put to the test in a professional setting.
How To Tell if a Program is ABET Accredited
There are multiple ways to determine whether ABET accredits an engineering technology degree program:
- Search the ABET.org database for your desired university/program
- Check the university/program’s web pages – they should be proud to display such information
- Contact the university to inquire about the program
How Does ABET Accredit Engineering Technology Degree Programs?
Academic institutions typically conduct a self-evaluation to determine readiness before requesting accreditation. The ABET evaluation team performs a site visit to the institution, then a committee determines whether to deny or grant accreditation. If the accreditation status is granted, then it is applicable for up to six years.
Customary evaluation areas examine how well students are taught to recognize professional and ethical responsibility, analyze information, utilize modern engineering technology methods, and apply the acquired knowledge. When you come across an ABET accredited degree program, you can be sure it has shown success in these areas, and more.
How Does Accreditation Boost Quality Standards?
ABET accreditation guarantees the highest quality standards, resulting in an innovative and mobile workforce educated to the highest standards, with extremely diverse technological advancement. The rigorous evaluation process used today has evolved over 80+ years and is utilized by accreditation agencies in nearly every industry.
ABET accredited organizations have a well-deserved reputation for producing graduates at a higher level of academic excellence, making them worthy professionals in their field of study. ABET accreditation is the seal of approval on engineering technology degree programs.
Enroll in an ABET Accredited Engineering Technology Degree Program at ECPI University
ECPI University has voluntarily undergone the rigorous ABET accreditation process because we believe in the value and strength of our Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science degree programs at our Virginia Beach and Newport News campuses, as well as Online:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET)
- Bachelor of Science in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET)
ABET accreditation affirms that ECPI University’s engineering technology programs satisfy the rigorous standards of this industry. Our innovative facilities and laboratories, robust curriculum, and experienced faculty all contribute to our accreditation status. ABET accredited engineering technology degree programs demonstrate ECPI University’s commitment to the highest quality standards, best academic practices, and student success.
Are You Ready to Explore Engineering Technology?
At ECPI University, you could earn your Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology in as little as 2.5 years. Our accelerated engineering technology degree programs listed above are ABET accredited and open for enrollment with multiple start dates per year.
Contact our friendly admissions representatives to learn more or get started transforming your future through knowledge. It could be the BEST Decision You Ever Make!
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology programs at the Virginia Beach and Newport News, VA campuses and Online are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
DISCLAIMER - ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.