We are thrilled to announce a significant achievement in our academic endeavors – all three of our Bachelor of Science programs that underwent a rigorous review by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) last year have now received their ABET accreditations. This momentous development stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality education and ensuring our students are well-prepared for their future careers.
ABET (previously known as the “Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.” and now just ABET) provides accreditation of academic standards worldwide. ABET accreditation ensures that courses of study meet the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce. ABET standards have become the basis of quality for STEM disciplines all over the world, instilling confidence in students, employers, and society that these programs and graduates are top-notch.
“This is a great team effort,” stated Dr. Jason Liu, Director and Eminent Chaired Professor of the Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences. “It demonstrates our commitment to our students to provide the best possible education upon which to launch their professional careers.”
The programs that have received ABET accreditation are:
1. B.S. in Computer Science (BS-CS): The ABET accreditation for our Computer Science program has been renewed, affirming the continued excellence and relevance of our curriculum. This program has been accredited since 1993. Accreditation ensures that the KFSCIS BS-CS program meets the stringent standards set by ABET, reflecting our commitment to delivering education that prepares students for the dynamic field of computer science.
2. B.S. in Information Technology (BS-IT): Our Information Technology (IT) program has been newly accredited by ABET. This accreditation is retroactive to October 1, 2021, highlighting the program’s adherence to ABET’s rigorous standards for educational quality. Our BS-IT program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the ever-evolving field of IT.
3. B.S. in Cybersecurity (BS-CY): Our Cybersecurity program also received accreditation, which is retroactive, dating back to October 1, 2020. This was an incredible achievement for the School as the program has only been in existence a short time. It underscores our commitment to providing students with a comprehensive education in cybersecurity, a field of growing importance in today’s digital landscape.
Additionally, our online pathway for Information Technology has received ABET accreditation. This is particularly noteworthy, as there are very few other ABET-accredited online IT programs available. This recognition reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality education through flexible online formats.
The significance of ABET accreditation cannot be overstated. It demonstrates that our programs adhere to internationally recognized standards of quality and excellence. Employers often value graduates from ABET-accredited programs due to their assurance of a well-rounded education that prepares students for real-world challenges.
Looking ahead, the next general review (NGR) for these accredited programs is scheduled for 2028-29. We are committed to maintaining and further enhancing the quality of our programs to ensure they continue to meet and exceed ABET’s rigorous standards.
For those interested in further details, ABET’s website will be updated on October 1 to include a list of all newly accredited programs and their corresponding NGR dates.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our dedicated faculty, staff, and students for their hard work and commitment to achieving this accreditation. Together, we have reached a significant milestone that will benefit our students and our institution for years to come.