Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University's bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering technology has been granted accreditation by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology).

"We are excited to receive ABET accreditation as a testament to the quality of our mechanical engineering technology program," said Brad Sims, dean of the College of Technology. "This action is the result of hard work by dedicated faculty and staff who have demonstrated their commitment to producing quality graduates who can apply the latest technology and engineering tools, adapt to rapidly changing technologies and meet the highest ethical and professional standards."

ABET is the internationally recognized accrediting organization for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology. ABET accreditation serves as assurance that a program meets quality standards set by the profession. ISU's mechanical engineering technology program was previously accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.

The program is housed in the new department of applied engineering and technology management, chaired by M. Affan Baddar, associate professor of mechanical engineering technology. An engineering design curriculum addresses design of mechanical tools, machines and products. A management component prepares graduates to manage the people, resources and systems related to mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and manufacturing.

About 80 percent of courses in the program are offered online through DegreeLink. "Courses are taught by full-time professors who have actual work experience in the field," Sims said.

ABET'S Technology Accreditation Commission recently met to act on program evaluations conducted during 2009-10 and approved accreditation of Indiana State's program retroactively to October 1, 2008.

Contact: Bradford Sims, dean, College of Technology, Indiana State University, 812-237-3166 or bradford.sims@indstate.edu

Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu