Lipscomb University
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In August 2004, the Engineering Mechanics and Computer Engineering programs received national accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).  ABET is the only organization recognized by the U.S. Government that can evaluate and accredit engineering programs.  The accreditation was awarded retroactively to October, 2001 which means the degrees earned by previous graduates of these two programs will also be accredited.		 ABET_burst


Receiving an ABET-accredited degree is an important milestone to further professional development.  In Tennessee and several other states, students planning to pursue professional engineering licensure must graduate from an ABET-accredited program.  In addition, many engineering employers will only hire graduates of ABET-accredited programs.

Dr. Fred Gilliam says, "When you can say you graduated from an ABET-accredited program, you are communicating a standard of credibility and quality that will be associated with that degree."

There are several criteria that must be met before ABET accredits a program, including the quality and preparation of the faculty, laboratory facilities, curriculum, integration of the engineering program into the university at large, attitude and quality of students, continuous improvement programs, and institutional support.

Programs are also expected to prepare graduates to work with engineers from other parts of the world in situations where technical solutions must be blended with sociological solutions and expected to emphasize lifelong learning skills, environmental awareness and a strong ethical foundation, he said.

Dr. Gilliam explains, "We add to those [requirements] by connecting engineering skills with the spiritual growth that is central to the Lipscomb experience."