School of Engineering’s BSE program earns ABET accreditation

By: Staff Aug 24, 2009

Computer Systems, Electrical and Mechanical engineering programs accredited

ANCHORAGE, AK – The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) program, a part of UAA’s School of Engineering, was recently notified that it received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The School’s Civil Engineering and Geomatics programs also earned continuing accreditation.

The BSE program was established in 2005 and is comprised of three separate programs: Computer Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Each program incorporates design and hands-on learning through active participation of faculty and industry with students. Collaborative projects with industry provide students opportunities for career development as well as for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“This accreditation opens up all kinds of possibilities for our students,” said Rob Lang, dean of UAA’s School of Engineering. “Being accredited by ABET is a major selling point for UAA as students and their parents choose an engineering program. Earning a degree from an accredited program gives students an edge as they seek licensure after graduation, and it proves to our industry partners that our graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce.”

ABET is a specialized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology. ABET accreditation is a determination that a college or university program meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. The organization has provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education for over 75 years.

To be eligible for ABET accreditation review, a program must first produce at least one graduate. “We requested an evaluation as soon as we could in 2008 after we had our first graduates in all three of the new engineering programs,” said Grant Baker, chair of the BSE program. The ABET review process takes about 18 months. Every program conducted an internal evaluation and self-study to document that the students, curriculum, faculty, administration, facilities and institutional support met ABET’s established criteria.

As part of the review process, an ABET evaluation team visited campus in fall 2008, when they met with a group of nearly 100 engineering industry partners, university officials and students. During its visit, the team also reviewed course materials, student projects, sample assignments and conducted interviews with students, faculty and administrators.

“Anchorage is the industry center of Alaska and has needed more engineering programs for many years,” said Baker. “Our central location and unique ability to serve the community and Alaska industries was well recognized by the ABET evaluation team and was reflected in its decision to accredit all three of our new engineering programs.”

ABET also approved retroactive accreditation of the BSE program dating back to 2007. “Now all of our BSE graduates from the past are considered graduates of an accredited program, which is very important for becoming a licensed professional engineer,” said Baker.