IT Accreditation Summary

Information Technology
ABET Accreditation Summary
The full criteria for ABET accreditation of information technology programs can be
found at (link to http://www.abet.org/forms.shtml). Programs need to meet requirements
specified in both the Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual and the Criteria for
Accrediting Computing Programs documents.
This summary should only be used as a reference to the more specific guidelines
mentioned above. ABET offers several workshops on accreditation for programs
considering going through the process. They can also provide colleges and universities
with a list of skilled consultants who provide services to help your school prepare for
accreditation. The SIGITE conference is also a great way to connect with others
knowledgeable of the process and who may be open to providing guidance.
Criterion 1. Students
Student performance must be evaluated. Student progress must be monitored to foster success in
attaining student outcomes, thereby enabling graduates to attain program educational objectives.
Students must be advised regarding curriculum and career matters.
The program must have and enforce policies for accepting both new and transfer students, awarding
appropriate academic credit for courses taken at other institutions, and awarding appropriate academic
credit for work in lieu of courses taken at the institution. The program must have and enforce
procedures to ensure and document that students who graduate meet all graduation requirements.
Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives

The program must have published program educational objectives that are consistent with the mission
of the institution, the needs of the program’s various constituencies, and these criteria. There must be a
documented and effective process, involving program constituencies, for the periodic review and
revision of these program educational objectives.
Criterion 3. Student Outcomes

The program must have documented student outcomes that prepare graduates to attain the program
educational objectives. There must be a documented and effective process for the periodic review and
revision of these student outcomes.
The program must enable students to attain, by the time of graduation:
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
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IT – ABET Accreditation Summary 2
(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements
appropriate to its solution.
(c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process,
component, or program to meet desired needs
(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal
(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and
responsibilities.
(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals,
organizations, and society.
(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional
development.
(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
(j) An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information
technologies.
(k) An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection,
creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.
(l) An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.
(m) An understanding of best practices and standards and their application.
(n) An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan
Criterion 4. Continuous Improvement

The program must regularly use appropriate, documented processes for assessing and evaluating the
extent to which both the program educational objectives and the student outcomes are being attained.
The results of these evaluations must be systematically utilized as input for the continuous
improvement of the program. Other available information may also be used to assist in the continuous
improvement of the program.
Criterion 5. Curriculum
The program’s requirements must be consistent with its program educational objectives and designed
in such a way that each of the student outcomes can be attained. The curriculum must combine
technical and professional requirements with general education requirements and electives to prepare
students for a professional career and further study in the computing discipline associated with the
program, and for functioning in modern society. The technical and professional requirements must
include at least one year of up-to-date coverage of fundamental and advanced topics in the computing
discipline associated with the program. In addition, the program must include mathematics appropriate
to the discipline beyond the pre-calculus level. For each course in the major required of all students,
its content, expected performance criteria, and place in the overall program of study must be published.
Students must have course work or an equivalent educational experience that includes:
a. Coverage of the fundamentals of
1. the core information technologies of human computer interaction, information
management, programming, networking, web systems and technologies.
2. information assurance and security.
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IT – ABET Accreditation Summary 3
3. system administration and maintenance.

4. system integration and architecture.
b. Advanced course work that builds on the fundamental course work to provide depth.
Criterion 6. Faculty
Each faculty member teaching in the program must have expertise and educational background
consistent with the contributions to the program expected from the faculty member. The competence
of faculty members must be demonstrated by such factors as education, professional credentials and
certifications, professional experience, ongoing professional development, contributions to the
discipline, teaching effectiveness, and communication skills. Collectively, the faculty must have the
breadth and depth to cover all curricular areas of the program.
The faculty serving in the program must be of sufficient number to maintain continuity, stability,
oversight, student interaction, and advising. The faculty must have sufficient responsibility and
authority to improve the program through definition and revision of program educational objectives
and student outcomes as well as through the implementation of a program of study that fosters the
attainment of student outcomes.
Criterion 7. Facilities
Classrooms, offices, laboratories, and associated equipment must be adequate to support attainment of
the student outcomes and to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. Modern tools, equipment,
computing resources, and laboratories appropriate to the program must be available, accessible, and
systematically maintained and upgraded to enable students to attain the student outcomes and to
support program needs. Students must be provided appropriate guidance regarding the use of the tools,
equipment, computing resources, and laboratories available to the program. The library services and
the computing and information infrastructure must be adequate to support the scholarly and
professional activities of the students and faculty.
Criterion 8. Institutional Support

Institutional support and leadership must be adequate to ensure the quality and continuity of the
program.
Resources including institutional services, financial support, and staff (both administrative and
technical) provided to the program must be adequate to meet program needs. The resources available
to the program must be sufficient to attract, retain, and provide for the continued professional
development of a qualified faculty. The resources available to the program must be sufficient to
acquire, maintain, and operate infrastructures, facilities and equipment appropriate for the program,
and to provide an environment in which student outcomes can be attained.
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Information Technology

ABET Accreditation Summary

Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives

Criterion 3. Student Outcomes

Criterion 4. Continuous Improvement

3. system administration and maintenance.

Criterion 8. Institutional Support

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