Penn State Behrend Engineering Technology Programs Earn Reaccreditation

The engineering technology programs at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, have been reaccredited by the Engineering Technology Commission of ABET, the recognized accreditor of university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.

Logo for ABET Engineering Technology Accreditation CommissionABET accreditation demonstrates a program’s commitment to providing its students with a quality education. Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review process that evaluates program curricula, faculty expertise, facilities, institutional support and other factors.

Many employers, including the federal government, require a diploma from an ABET-accredited program for employment in certain technical fields. Industry licensing and certification groups also use ABET standards to screen applicants.

Five programs at Penn State Behrend have been reaccredited. Three of those programs – Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology and Plastics Engineering Technology – are bachelor’s-degree programs. Two others – Electrical Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology – are associate-degree programs.

“This reaccreditation is an affirmation of the commitment by our faculty and staff to deliver quality programs that are recognized by industry and graduate institutions,” said Ralph Ford, director of the School of Engineering and associate dean for industry and external relations.

More than 1,400 students are currently enrolled in the School of Engineering at Penn State Behrend. The school consistently ranks among the best undergraduate engineering programs; this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked it at No. 45 in the nation. For more information, go to Behrend.psu.edu/engineering.