PNC Engineering & Technology Programs Earn ABET Accreditation

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central recently had five of its engineering and technology programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

ABET promotes quality and innovation in education in the United States and its accreditation is used to assure quality in educational institutions and programs throughout the country.

The PNC programs re-accredited by ABET are the mechanical technology bachelor’s degree program and the electrical engineering technology, industrial engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology associate degree programs. The building construction management technology associate degree program earned its first ABET accreditation.

According to Richard Taylor, chair of the PNC Engineering Technology Department, a five-member accreditation team visited campus to look at all aspects of the nominated programs. The team collected one year of student materials – tests, homework, lab reports and projects – and evaluated them to ensure they are appropriate for the course and course level, are of suitable difficulty and that the math level fits the course.

Team members looked at the campus’ physical facilities, including computer labs, technology labs and classrooms to ensure all hardware, software and learning materials are current. Even the campus library was scrutinized by the evaluators and that curriculum called for students to use the library properly.

Faculty members’ credentials were examined and students, faculty, staff and administration were interviewed so the team members would get a feel for the campus culture. They also talked to the department’s Industrial Advisory Board members and examined the department’s career placement rates.

“ABET accreditation means that all aspects of what we offer and what we do meet defined standards and that our students get a current education,” said Taylor. “All universities are evaluated against the same criteria. This tells potential employers that our students received an education of accepted standards. Should our students transfer to other schools, it confirms they received an education that meets ABET’s level of accountability. This is a tremendous honor.”

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