EMU Computer Engineering Dept. ABET Accreditation (Based on the presentations by Dr. Raman Unnikrishnan and W. J. Wilson) Assoc. Prof. Zeki BAYRAM EMU Computer Engineering Dept. 14 January 2015 Zeki Bayram

Why Accredication Accreditation is used to assure quality in educational institutions and programs. Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process of peer review. It requires an educational institution or program to meet certain defined standards or criteria. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is a professional accrediting organization that accredits programs, not institutions. Accreditation serves to notify: parents and prospective students that a program has met professional standards; faculty, deans and administrators of a program’s strengths and weaknesses and of ways to improve the program; employers that graduates are prepared to begin professional practice; the public that graduates are aware of public health and safety considerations. Zeki Bayram

What is ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Organization responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and certifying the quality of engineering, engineering technology, computing, and applied science education in the United States, and the world!. A federation of 28 professional and technical societies representing over 1.8 million practicing professionals these fields Zeki Bayram

Why Accredication ABET audits engineering programs on a regular basis to assure that the program maintains high standards. In many states in the USA, having an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program is required to become a registered professional engineer. For some jobs and companies, having an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program is required just to be considered for employment. Zeki Bayram

Why Accredication The accreditation process helps your department to continually analyze and improve its courses and curriculum The accreditation process requires that your voice be heard in evaluating the program To apply for a position, most companies require graduation from an ABET accredited program Zeki Bayram

What ABET Accredits ABET accredits postsecondary degree-granting programs housed within regionally accredited institutions.  ABET accredits programs only, not degrees, departments, colleges, or institutions. Zeki Bayram

Objectives of Accreditation by ABET Assure that graduates of an accredited program are adequately prepared to enter and continue the practice of the engineering profession. Stimulate the improvement of engineering education. Encourage new and innovative approaches to engineering education and its assessment. Identify accredited programs to the public. Zeki Bayram

ABET Philosophy Each Institution and Program define their own mission and objectives to meet the needs of their constituents. Emphasizes outcomes that prepare graduates from the program for entry into professional practice. Programs must demonstrate how their student outcomes and educational objectives are being met. Programs must design processes leading to continuous program improvement. Zeki Bayram

Structure of ABET ABET is a federation of  28 professional and technical societies. Individual members of these societies, practicing professionals from industry and academia - form the body of ABET through its program evaluators (PEVs), Board of Directors, and four accreditation commissions: Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC) Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) Zeki Bayram

How does a degree program get accredited? A panel of ABET experts evaluates the program: courses, curriculum, people, and facilities The degree program must meet General Criteria that apply to all engineering degrees The program must also meet Program Criteria, which are specific to Computer Engineering The program must demonstrate that it uses a continual process of evaluating the courses and curriculum, and makes changes when needed The program must even show that it examines and improves its own evaluation process Zeki Bayram

GENERAL CRITERIA FOR BACCALAUREATE LEVEL PROGRAMS Criterion 1. Students (Evaluation of performance, advising, curricular adherence) Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives (based on the needs of the constituencies – students, employers, parents etc.) Criterion 3. Student Outcomes Criterion 4. Continuous Improvement Criterion 5. Curriculum one year of a combination of college level mathematics and basic sciences (some with experimental experience) one and one-half years of engineering topics a general education component major design experience Criterion 6. Faculty (number and quality) Criterion 7. Facilities (Classroom and labs) Criterion 8. Support (Institutional) Criterion 9. Program Criteria (depends on the major) Zeki Bayram

CMPE ABET portal http://cmpe.emu.edu.tr/abet/ Zeki Bayram

Thanks for listening Questions??? Zeki Bayram