collageWe talk about accreditation a lot at GetEducated.com—making sure your online education is legitimate should be a top priority for all prospective students. But once you ensure a school is regionally accredited, how should you evaluate supplementary accreditations? Does ABET accreditation really matter?In short, the answer to that question depends on what you hope to gain from your online degree. In this article, we’ll take a look at some online degree programs with ABET accreditation and why that might be an important factor for you when deciding whether to pursue an online degree.The ABET, or Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., is made up of 35 member societies in fields of applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. The organization accredits individual programs based on criteria such as completion of a capstone project or design class and at least one year of natural or physical sciences and mathematics.Even though getting a program accredited by ABET is a thorough process for a school, ABET accredited programs are not necessarily better than non-ABET programs. Because of ABET’s accreditation criteria, ABET programs are fairly similar to each other. This means you know what you’re getting, but you may have less flexibility in pursuing a course of study tailored to your own goals.While an ABET degree is required to become a licensed Professional Engineer in some states, it is not required in all states. Furthermore, not all engineering jobs require you to be licensed. Consider the type of jobs you’d like to work towards after graduation, and check to see if they require an ABET degree or a Professional Engineer license.Even if you’re not sure you need an ABET degree, browsing this list of ABET accredited schools available to complete online might help give you a sense of whether or not an this type of program is right for you. We profile the 15 best ABET accredited online schools in alphabetical order below.
1. Air Force Institute of Technology
All Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission, ABETApplicable degree(s): Master of Science in Systems EngineeringTuition: $370 per credit hourThe Air Force Institute of Technology is the graduate counterpart to the US Air Force Academy, and is geared towards providing specialized education to military officers. While military personnel make up the majority of the student body, the school also accepts civilian (U.S. Citizens) applications for certain degrees, including the online master of science in systems engineering.The school, which is located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, also benefits from its close proximity to the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center. These institutions work with the school to provide experiential learning opportunities to students.
2. Capella University
All Accreditations: The Higher Learning Commission, ABET, CACREP, COAMFTE, NCATE, CCNE, Project Management InstituteApplicable degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics, Bachelor of Science in Data Management, Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management: IT, Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance and Security, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Network Technology: Cisco, Bachelor of Science in Network Technology: Microsoft, Bachelor of Science in Project Management: IT, Bachelor of Science in System Development: Mobile, Bachelor of Science in System Development: Web ApplicationTuition: $525–$925 per credit hourCapella University has two online-learning formats. The “Flexpath” is self-paced and allows you to pay for each session, while the “Guidepath” has students follow the lead of instructors and pay per credit or per course. Keep in mind that “Flexpath” is not available if you choose to enroll in a program with special accreditation like ABET. Throughout both programs, the system is fully supported by Capella’s helpful team of expert faculty.Capella has nine different programs that are certified by the ABET. This includes programs focused on data (Analytics or Management), information technology, and network technology. You can also seek an ABET online degree in System Development, including Web Applications and Mobile.FIND OUT MORE
3. Daytona State College
All Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ABET, NATEF, CJSTE, CODA, CAAHEP, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training at Florida State Fire College, CAHIIM, AAMA, ACEN, Florida Board of Nursing, ACOTE, CoAEMSP, CAPTE, JRCERT, CoARCApplicable degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering TechnologyTuition: $102.38–$623.96 per credit hour
With a 2+2 model, where the student completes a two year associate degree followed by a two year bachelor’s degree, Daytona State College draws on its roots as a community college and is a great choice for those who cannot reasonably commit to a full four year degree upfront.
Their two ABET degrees offer a broad approach to engineering basics, through the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, and a more narrow foundation in electrical engineering, through a concentration option. Unfortunately, their programs are not open to residents of all states, so make sure to check their website to make sure they are authorized to educate students in your state.FIND OUT MORE
4. East Carolina University
All Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ABET, AACSB, AACMEApplicable degree(s):Master of Science in Occupational SafetyTuition: $249.26–$893.82 per credit hourEast Carolina University’s master of science in occupational safety provides students with the tools to develop and implement large-scale safety systems in the workplace. The program focuses on researching and analyzing occupational programs and developing communication, problem solving, and decision-making techniques.The university treats its online programs as versions of on campus programs with increased flexibility. Classes are taught by the same professors, students are expected to interact and complete the comparable assignments, and assessments are taken seriously.
5. Eastern Kentucky University
All Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ABETApplicable degree(s):Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering TechnologyTuition: $409 per credit hourEKU’s online program allows you to take the same courses from the same professors in an online environment. They offer six starting dates and the opportunity to meet with advisors throughout the online degree program.Eastern Kentucky’s Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology gives students the training and knowledge needed to provide safer environments for everyone. Students learn the advanced math and science behind fire, while gaining a knowledge for the best methods to prevent and fight a fire and mitigate its impact.
What Is Abet Accredited
Accreditation Commissions
The ABET Accreditation process is carried out by our four accreditation commissions. Each commission sets accreditation standards for specific program areas and degree levels. For more information about the commissions, including the differences between Engineering and Engineering Technology, please visit this page.
Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC)
Programs:
Applied and Natural Science
Levels:
Associate, Bachelor, Master
Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC)
Programs:
Computing
Level:
Bachelor
Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)
Programs:
Engineering
Levels:
Bachelor, Master
Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC)
Programs:
Engineering Technology
Levels:
Associate, Bachelor
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