ABET accreditation, should it be a significant factor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the significance of ABET accreditation for an Architectural Engineering program at the University of Cincinnati, particularly in relation to employment prospects and professional licensure. Participants explore the implications of attending a non-accredited program and the potential future accreditation of the program.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the lack of ABET accreditation for their current program and questions whether this should be a significant worry for future employment.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of ABET accreditation in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Electrical Engineering (EE), suggesting that the participant inquire with potential employers about its relevance in Architectural Engineering.
  • A different contributor notes that Architectural Engineering is a new designation and advises checking with state licensing boards regarding eligibility for the PE exam, highlighting that requirements may vary by state.
  • Some participants mention that while ABET accreditation is a strong indicator of program quality, it is not an absolute requirement for obtaining a PE license, although it may complicate the process.
  • The original poster shares that their Dean confirmed plans for accreditation review once the first graduating class is established and clarifies that students will be considered accredited if the program achieves accreditation before their graduation.
  • There is a suggestion to contact the PE licensing board in the state where the participant intends to practice to understand specific requirements related to accreditation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the importance of ABET accreditation, with some emphasizing its critical role for licensure and others suggesting it may not be as crucial depending on state requirements. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall impact of attending a non-accredited program.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability of state requirements for PE licensure and the evolving status of the program's accreditation process. The discussion reflects differing views on the necessity of ABET accreditation based on individual circumstances and future plans.

hanzlikm
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I am a current student at the University of Cincinnati and I am in the Architectural Engineering program they have. The Architectural Engineering program they have there is new (I believe its been around for 3-4 years or so) and since its a 5 year program they haven't had a graduating class yet. I just recently found out that the program is not ABET accredited (and when I was coming in as a freshman I did not realize being accredited was a thing). UC is well known for their engineering programs so it makes me think that employers would take the colleges reputation into play when considering you for a job. However ABET only accredits programs and not colleges.

  • Is it a big deal to not be accredited? (should I be worried)
  • If I am in the program now when it is not considered accredited and by the time I graduate it is accredited, would that mean I am accredited? (Using my logic it would make more sense that you have to go through an accredited program from start to finish to be considered accredited but i could be wrong.)
  • Should I consider transferring into an accredited engineering program?
  • opinions/comments?

Thanks!
 
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ABET is very important in ME and EE. You should probably ask potential employers how important it is in your field.
 
Architectural Engineering is a NEW designation for the NCEES and may only have a few ABET accredited schools available. Soooo,... you should check with your state licensing PE board as to whether they will let you take the PE exam after 4-5 years of graduation. If your state board says yes, you can feel confident that your current school is fine for YOUR current state of residence. Should you relocate to another state, then ABET accreditation will become very important for you.

ABET accreditation is an excellent way to measure how good is the college's engineering degree, but it becomes an (almost) essential requirement, if you plan to pursue professional licensure as an Engineer. Your particular program may also qualify for AIA licensure / certification as well (I am NOT knowledgeable about this).

Is ABET accreditation the be all, end all requirement for getting a PE? No, you can still become a licensed engineer without an ABET accredited degree, but it is usually much more difficult to be allowed to sit for the exam. So, I would investigate how well your current program is viewed by the state board of PE's and if you are planning to relocate out of state. If you are open or planning to relocate out of state, you should give some consideration to transferring to an ABET accredited program.
 
Okay thanks guys, really, your comments are helpful. I have just spoken to my Dean at UC, and he reassured me that as soon as they have a graduated class that they are filing for accreditation review (it is a requirement to be accredited). AND he answered my second question ("If I am in the program now when it is not considered accredited and by the time I graduate it is accredited, would that mean I am accredited?") saying that even if I am already years into my program that I will still be considered accredited.
 
hanzlikm said:
Okay thanks guys, really, your comments are helpful. I have just spoken to my Dean at UC, and he reassured me that as soon as they have a graduated class that they are filing for accreditation review (it is a requirement to be accredited). AND he answered my second question ("If I am in the program now when it is not considered accredited and by the time I graduate it is accredited, would that mean I am accredited?") saying that even if I am already years into my program that I will still be considered accredited.

You need to contact the PE licensing board in the state in which you wish to practice. In the US, individual PE licensing boards are set up in the individual states; I'm not aware of any national licensing board in the US at this time.

The individual state PE licensing boards can be contacted by clicking on the particular state or states in which you wish to practice:

http://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/licensing-boards
 

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