Penn State Behrend’s computer science program has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. All academic programs in the School of Engineering at Behrend are now accredited by ABET. ABET monitors programs at more than 750 colleges and universities in 30 countries.

​

The designation is retroactive to 2015. This is the only Penn State computer science program to have the accreditation.

ABET accreditation shows dedication to equality education for students. The accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review process that evaluates program curricula, faculty expertise, facilities, institutional support and other factors.

​

“ABET accreditation is an affirmation of the commitment by our faculty and staff to deliver quality programs that are recognized by industry and graduate institutions,” said Ed Evans, interim director of the School of Engineering at Behrend.

​

This accreditation will help students get jobs in their career choice. Many employers require a diploma from an ABET-accredited program in certain technical fields. Industry licensing and certification groups also use these standards to screen applicants. Graduates enter a market with a median annual salary for a computer scientist at $112,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

​

“Our students succeed because we teach to the standards that will be expected of them by even the most rigorous technical employers,” said Evans.