In today's landscape, where technologies such as artificial intelligence are changing the way work is done, it can be especially important to choose a program that will prepare you for real-world demands. ABET accreditation is a review process that determines whether educational programs meet defined quality standards. These accreditations are renewed periodically to ensure the degree program remains relevant to market changes.
ABET-accredited programs can be thought of as an assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.
Why ABET matters for your career and future goals
Another important aspect of ABET accreditation is its work with employers to ensure these programs meet ever-changing industry needs. Employers are heavily involved with defining the criteria so that the curriculum and education students experience in each ABET-accredited program match real-world insights and demands.
ABET-accredited programs meet a variety of criteria that help ensure graduates are prepared for success in their chosen field. The accreditation criteria are grounded in student outcomes that make graduates hirable in a high-demand field. Here is what that criteria looks like for you:
- Programs that prioritize monitoring and supporting student success through rigorous, industry-aligned coursework.
- Faculty and program quality are reviewed and renewed continuously, ensuring the degree stays current with employer needs and market demands.
- Your credential is recognized globally by employers and credentialing bodies in your field.
So, when you see a degree program is ABET-accredited, that means you'll be receiving an education that will teach you what's needed to not only earn a job, but be a leader in your field. This helps you identify which programs will provide you with a valuable return on your investment. And with few programs holding this designation — and even fewer available fully online — ABET accreditation is a meaningful signal of quality when choosing where to earn your degree.
Do employers care about ABET accreditation?
Yes, many employers in engineering, technology and computing actively seek candidates from ABET-accredited programs. Some federal government positions and licensed engineering roles require a degree from an ABET-accredited program. More broadly, ABET signals to employers that your education met rigorous, industry-validated standards, making you a stronger candidate from the start.
Is ABET accreditation required for engineering jobs?
Not always, but it can be. Professional Engineer licensure in the United States typically requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program. Federal government roles, defense contractors and some state-regulated positions may also list ABET accreditation as a formal requirement. Even when it's not required, it is widely preferred by employers as a signal of program rigor.
What's the difference between ABET and regional accreditation?
Regional accreditation — like ASU's accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission — applies to the institution as a whole and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. ABET is a programmatic accreditation: it evaluates whether a specific degree program meets the quality standards of the professional field it prepares graduates for. Both matter as regional accreditation ensures your degree is recognized and ABET signals your program was employer-validated at the discipline level.
Discover ABET-accredited online programs
ASU offers many online ABET-accredited programs to expand access to these high-demand degree programs. Each program is designed to support your needs as an online student, offering the flexibility and accessibility of online learning.
Every ASU Online ABET-accredited program is held to the same review criteria as its on-campus counterpart. The same faculty, the same curriculum, and the same rigorous ABET standards apply. Your credential carries the same weight regardless of how you earn it.
ASU Online is continually seeking ABET accreditation for the right programs as part of its mission to expand access to critical STEM programs. Ready to explore your options? Browse all our ABET-accredited programs to find the one that fits your goals:
- Computer science, BS — ABET-accredited under the Computing Accreditation Commission, a designation held by fewer than 10 online CS programs in the country.
- Electrical engineering, BSE — One of only a handful of online ABET-accredited electrical engineering programs in the country.
- Engineering – biomedical engineering, BSE — One of only two online ABET-accredited biomedical engineering programs in the country — and the first.
- Engineering – mechanical engineering, BSE — The only online ABET-accredited mechanical engineering degree in the country.
- Engineering management, BSE — The only online ABET-accredited engineering management degree in the country.
- Software engineering, BS — The only online ABET-accredited software engineering program in the country.
- Information technology, BS — ABET-accredited under the Computing Accreditation Commission, a recognized quality credential in the IT field.