University of Northwestern – St. Paul’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering program has received accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Accreditation by ABET bolsters Northwestern’s standing in the world of engineering and helps ensure that its graduates are on equal footing with public universities as they follow their calling.
Part of Northwestern’s mission is to provide Christ-centered higher education, equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually to serve effectively in their professions. With the help of ABET accreditation, current and prospective students and their parents who are drawn to UNW for its Christ-centered teaching can also be certain of the standard of education they need for success in the engineering field.
While helping her teen son search for future engineering jobs, Jolee Mosier found that most employers are looking for applicants with a degree from an ABET accredited program. Mosier’s family desired a school with strong academics to prepare her son for a competitive workforce while simultaneously placing equal value on a faith-based education. After learning of the ABET accreditation, Mosier noted, “I hope prospective students will see that attending Northwestern’s ABET accredited engineering program is a great asset for them. It allows students to gain a top-notch Christian education in the engineering field that will set them on a good path to be successful and licensed in their profession in the future.”
Before establishing its own, independent engineering program, Northwestern partnered with another institution in a dual degree setting, requiring students to attend the other university full-time for two years after three years at UNW. Northwestern began the process of launching its own engineering program and pursuing accreditation in 2017. Since 2019, nearly 100 students have pursued an engineering degree at UNW each year.
In response to Northwestern’s accreditation, Dr. Carrie Francis, Chair of the Department of Engineering, said,
“ABET accreditation puts our students on equal footing with students from other accredited colleges and universities in terms of applying for engineering scholarships, internships, and jobs. Many engineering-specific scholarships require students to be studying in an ABET accredited program, and well known employers also look for that designation.”
ABET accreditation also simplifies beginning the process to become a licensed Professional Engineer.
Holding accreditation sets Northwestern’s engineering program apart from most other private, liberal arts institutions in Minnesota. UNW features concentrations in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Learn more about whether Northwestern’s engineering program may be a fit for you!
