Top Accreditations for Engineering Degrees?

When researching engineering programs, I often see different accreditations mentioned. Can anyone explain which accreditations I should look for in a college engineering program? How important are they when it comes to being competitive in the job market?

When evaluating engineering programs, the most significant accreditation to consider is from ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). ABET is recognized internationally, and its evaluation focuses on the quality of the program's students, faculty, curriculum, and resources. A degree from an ABET-accredited program can offer numerous benefits, including meeting eligibility requirements for many federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. Additionally, some employers prefer to hire graduates of ABET-accredited programs.

In the realm of engineering, this can also fulfill certain licensure, certification, and registration boards. For instance, many state licensing boards require that engineers have a degree from an ABET-accredited program before they can sit for the Professional Engineering exam.

Accreditation can vary based on the specific engineering discipline — civil, mechanical, electrical, etc. Still, ABET serves as a universally recognized accreditation across the board.

Regarding the job market, completion of an accredited engineering program indicates that a graduate is well-prepared for the field. Employers often look for this as a measure of a candidate's understanding and readiness for professional responsibilities. Overall, while it's not the only factor potential employers consider, it definitely makes a candidate more competitive.

Lastly, remember that while high-quality accreditation like ABET is crucial, other aspects such as the university's overall reputation, faculty, facilities, research opportunities, and job placement record are also important when choosing an engineering program. The alignment of the particular specialties of the engineering program with your interests and goals also matters. For instance, if you're interested in Environmental Engineering, look for programs that offer a good deal of depth and variety in this specific area.