ABET Engineering Accreditation

Engineering is that profession in which knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences, gained by study, experience, and practice, is applied, with judgment, to develop ways to use economically the materials and force of nature for the benefit mankind.

Admission to the engineering profession is normally through a university undergraduate program in one of the disciplines of engineering. Curricular criteria are established by academic and industrial representatives that serve on ABET, Inc., which is the accredited board for engineering and technology programs. The curricular criteria under which Akron's Engineering programs are currently accredited are:

• One year of mathematics and basic science
• One-half year of humanities and social sciences
• One year of engineering science
• One-half year of engineering design
• One year of mathematics and basic science
• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering

In addition, the ABET 2000 Criteria requires that (1) each program shall make a formal assessment of each student's ABET Required Abilities and (2) that a process must exist by which the student assessments can be used to modify the educational delivery process. The ABET Required Student Abilities are:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
• An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• An ability to communicate effectively
• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
• An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
• An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in global and societal context
• A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
• A knowledge of contemporary issues

All the undergraduate programs: The Biomedical Engineering Program, Chemical Engineering Program, Civil Engineering Program, Electrical Engineering Program, Computer Engineering Program, and Mechanical Engineering Program are ABET, Inc. accredited programs.