What is ABET?
ABET, or Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a company that approves degree programs.  The company focuses on guidance, training, education, and recognition.  They look for the supply of information to engineering students and potential students, the plans for personal and professional development, appraisal of engineering curricula and maintaining a list of accredited curricula, and the development of methods where-by individuals could achieve recognition by the profession and the general public.

Why is IDE seeking ABET accreditation?
Their stamp of approval provides us with a structured mechanism to assess, evaluate, and improve the quality of our program. Accreditation also helps students and their parents choose quality college programs. It enables employers to recruit graduates they know are well-prepared.

Why doesn't IDE have ABET accreditation presently?
In order to become ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited, a program must complete a detailed self-study and request a visit by an ABET program evaluator (PEV). Before such a visit can be requested, a program must first have graduates.  We've recently had two graduates in December and two in May.  Due to these recent graduations, we have requested a visit for the academic year 2008-2009.  We believe that ABET accreditation is crucial to the success of the IDE program and have carefully designed the program to meet all ABET applicable criteria. While we cannot guarantee eventual accreditation, we look forward to our ABET accreditation visit October 19-22.

How does this affect IDE students?
Accreditation assures that a program has met quality standards set by the profession.  To employers, graduate schools, and licensure, certification, and registration boards, graduation from an accredited program signifies adequate preparation for entry into the profession.  Whether you study applied science, computing, engineering, or technology, ABET accreditation is an important indicator of your program’s commitment to quality and may be a key to your professional future.

For more information on accreditation, check out the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville's "Guide to Accreditation" pertaining to their mechanical engineering program.
You can view ABET's official website here or contact them at the following address:

ABET, Inc.
111 Market Place, Suite 1050
Baltimore, MD. 21202
410.347.7700
410.625.2238 FAX

IDE's Mission
To provide a high quality learning environment. To enable students to understand and practice the breadth of interdisciplinary engineering analysis and design, and to prepare students to be productive members of an increasingly technological society while working in an interdisciplinary environment.  This learning environment will include meaningful team design projects and high quality instruction, especially as it pertains to the development and use of suitable software to enhance learning.

To view more information about the Mission and Vision of the department, click here.

IDE Self Study

IDE Program Description