CCU’s engineering science program earns accreditation
ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and are anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.
CCU’s program, which began in Spring 2016, is administered by the Gupta College of Science. Students in the program complete a common course of study and pursue one of the following concentrations: physics, civil, electrical, and innovation design.
“ABET accreditation is the recognized ‘gold standard’ for engineering programs across the nation,” said Chad L. Leverette, Ph.D., dean of the Gupta College of Science. “This is further validation of the excellent engineering program we have at CCU. Our goal is to create high quality, current curricular programs based on industry, regional, and national needs, enabling our students to enter the workforce as capable and ready STEM professionals. Our ABET accredited program in engineering science is a great example of this approach.”
According to Wes Hitt, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of CCU’s Department of Physics and Engineering Science, the program has strong connections to regional industry. “These connections have led to several high-impact practices, including industry-sponsored capstone projects and industry internships for students. CCU students have many opportunities to interact with practicing engineers, giving them valuable insight into the profession, enhancing their overall undergraduate experience, and leading to many offers for full-time employment immediately upon graduation.”
Sought worldwide, ABET’s voluntary peer-review process is highly respected because it adds critical value to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision, and safety are of the utmost importance.
Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals, from industry, academia and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines. ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization with ISO 9001:2015 certification. It currently accredits 4,361 programs at 850 colleges and universities in 41 countries and areas.
More information about ABET, its member societies, and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs, click here.