Three CBU engineering degrees gain ABET accreditation

CBU Engineering Faculty

(RIVERSIDE – Aug. 22, 2012) - California Baptist University's bachelor degree programs in civil engineering (BSCE), electrical and computer engineering (BSECE) and mechanical engineering (BSME) have been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET , http://www.abet.org. ABET is the recognized accrediting body of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology.

The announcement came as an official electronic notification to university officials Aug. 20 and caps a process that began in 2006, when CBU hired Dr. Anthony Lyle Donaldson as founding dean of the university's new engineering school.

"This accreditation is an important milestone for the College of Engineering and allows our graduates to compete on an equal footing with graduates from around the world," Donaldson said. "Its achievement is a result of vision and a tremendous amount of work and support on the part of our faculty, staff, administration and community partners. Also to be commended are the students and families of the first several classes of students whose faith has been rewarded."

The first class of engineering students began in the 2007-2008 academic year and graduated in 2011. Following ABET policy, CBU applied for accreditation immediately after that graduation. The ABET accreditation is retroactive to 2011 to include all graduates of the three CBU degree programs.

The program has grown from 53 students and one faculty member in the fall of 2007 to more than 350 students and 22 full-time faculty and staff in the fall of 2012. Degrees are offered in civil engineering, construction management, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and engineering (with concentrations in bioengineering, business, global applications, pre-law and pre-med). Chemical engineering and graduate programs are in the planning stages for rollout soon.

-30-