Engineering Programs Hit Key Accreditation Milestone

The independent nonprofit Engineering and Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc. has accredited Merrimack College's new mechanical engineering program and reaccredited the bachelor's degree program in electrical and civil engineering.

ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.

The designation is also a boost to job-seeking graduates who benefit from the programs’ enhanced standing and reputation.

“Everyone who has graduated from this program has an accredited degree,” said Joel Kuszmaul, associate professor and chair of civil engineering. “Our engineering faculty are excellent teacher-scholars.”

To be eligible for accreditation, a new program must graduate a class that has been enrolled for four years, said Franco Capaldi, associate professor and chair of mechanical engineering. Merrimack’s mechanical engineering program was established in 2012 and graduated its first class in 2016. The accreditation this summer is retroactive to the 2016 graduating class.

Among the factors that helped earn Merrimack accreditation were its $2 million in physical improvements to the Mendel Center and the addition of highly regarded instructors, including those who have recently earned their doctorates and others who have years of industrial experience.

“The college has made considerable investments in facilities and faculty for engineering,” said science and engineering dean Cynthia McGowan. “The quality of the new faculty is excellent.”

ABET is a nongovernmental accrediting agency for programs in engineering and engineering technology; applied and natural sciences; and computing. It is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

ABET collects measurements of competence, including data that demonstrates a program’s continuing improvement. Accreditation is good for six years.

“Requirements for ABET accreditation are much more stringent than those required for accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges,” said Jack Adams, associate professor and chair of electrical engineering. “These three programs are already collecting data for reaccreditation in six years.”

Mechanical engineering is the largest of the three programs with about 140 students this semester. Civil engineering enrolls about 113 students and electrical engineering about 70.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Related News

Photo of Jimmy Franco working in Merrimack's chemistry lab.

Merrimack College Launches Master’s in Applied Chemistry

 |
By: Michael Cronin
The new program, which will focus significantly on research, will change the dynamics of the College’s chemistry curriculum and address a growing need for non-doctorate graduate degrees in the field.
Merrimack Alumni Return to Campus as Faculty

Merrimack Alumni Return to Campus as Faculty

 |
By: Michael Cronin
Three alumni turned educators speak on their love for Merrimack and why they chose to come back.
Photo of Merrimack engineering students studying while the college's Spot robot is situated in the foreground of the frame.

Engineering Directed Study sees Students Researching Human-Robot Interactions

 |
By: Michael Cronin
Merrimack College students are teaching robots to dance, read and interact with the greater community.