When you choose an ABET-accredited program, you are choosing a course of study that meets the quality standards set by that profession. But how do you know which ABET-accredited program is best for you?
ABET Accreditation is Not Ranking
ABET doesn't rank programs, nor does it distribute reports or findings about accredited programs to the public. However, colleges and universities with ABET-accredited programs are required to publicly state their program objectives.
What Are Program Objectives?
Program objectives are clear statements that describe what students will learn and what graduates will be prepared to do. Program objectives are usually available on institutions' web sites and in their catalog. Find or request this information and see if the program's goals match your vision for your education and subsequent career.
For example:
- Many programs have different concentrations or emphases. Does this program concentrate on areas that you wish to study?
- Does it prepare graduates to find work in the sectors that interest you?
- Will this program prepare you for entry-level employment in industry, or will it groom you for graduate school and eventually an academic career?
Steps to Take
- Visit ABET's Accredited Program Search to identify programs that interest you.
- Visit the websites of those programs (The Accredited Program Search provides a link to each college or university.) and find the program objectives. If you don't find the words "program objectives," look for statments about "what student will learn" and "what graduates will be prepared to do." If you don't find these, contact the school and ask for additional information.