Engineering
ABET Accreditation
Why Does Accreditation Matter?
Simply put, accreditation is value. Reaching into our public, private, and professional lives, accreditation is proof that a collegiate program has met certain standards necessary to produce graduates who are ready to enter their professions. Students who graduate from accredited programs have access to enhanced opportunities in employment; licensure, registration and certification; graduate education and global mobility.
ABET, the premier accreditation organization, was founded in 1932 as the Engineers' Council for Professional Development (ECPD), an engineering professional body dedicated to the education, accreditation, regulation, and professional development of the engineering professionals and students in the United States. Seven engineering societies founded the organization and contributed to its original direction and focus, and the first engineering degree programs were evaluated in 1936. By 1947, ECPD had accredited 580 undergraduate engineering programs at 133 institutions.
In 1980, ECPD was renamed the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) to more accurately describe its emphasis on accreditation. In 2005, ABET formally changed its name to ABET and no longer uses the title "Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology."
Why Does Accreditation Matter to a Student?
Earning a degree is a significant achievement and an important investment in your future. Since so much of your future success depends on your educational foundation, the quality of the education you receive makes a big difference.
Earning a degree from an ABET-accredited program:
- Verifies that the quality of the educational experience you’ve received meets the standards of the profession. Increases and enhances employment opportunities.
- Permits and eases entry to a technical profession through licensure, registration, and certification.
Establishes eligibility for many federal student loans, grants, and/or scholarships.
You should be aware that not all technical programs at every college and university are accredited. Make sure that the program you’re interested in is ABET-accredited.
An ABET-accredited program assures prospective students that:
- the institution is committed to improving their educational experience
- the program is committed to using best practices and innovation in education
- the program is guided by its industry, government, and academic constituents through formal feedback
- the program considers the students' perspective as part of its continuous quality improvement process
ABET accreditation can be of great value to a student. It is often required for eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. Many forms of professional licensure, registration, and certification also require graduation from ABET-accredited programs as a minimum qualification. In addition, many employers, including the federal government, require graduation from ABET-accredited programs to be eligible for employment in certain fields. Also, multinational corporations are increasingly listing graduation from an accredited program as a requirement for employment.
Why Does Accreditation Matter to Industry and Government?
As an employer, you want to know that your new hires have the right educational background to excel. ABET accreditation provides that assurance.
When ABET program evaluators review educational programs, they make certain the program meets quality standards that provide the students with an appropriate educational experience.
ABET accreditation:
- Ensures that graduates have met the educational requirements necessary to enter the profession
- Provides opportunities for the industry to guide the educational process to reflect current and future needs
- Enhances the mobility of professionals
In addition, ABET accreditation is often used by licensing, registration, and certification boards to screen applicants. This provides additional assurance that our public safety and well-being is in knowledgeable, professional hands.
Accreditation is an assurance that the professionals who serve us have a solid educational foundation and are capable of leading the way in innovation, emerging technologies, and in anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.
Central Washington University’s Accreditation Status
Electronics Engineering Technology, BS
The B.S. in Electonics Engineering Technology is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. Accredited, 10/01/1986-present
Accredited Locations: Main Campus/Ellensburg
Mechanical Engineering Technology, BS
The B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. Accredited, 10/01/1995-present
Accredited Locations: Main Campus/Ellensburg
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