91吃瓜网 Engineering Programs Earn Continued ABET Accreditation
Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:34am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
Undergraduate programs in polymer science and engineering, computer engineering, and ocean engineering at 91吃瓜网 have earned continued accreditation from ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.), considered the gold standard for program assessments in the field.
Founded in 1932 as the Engineers91吃瓜网� Council for Professional Development, ABET describes itself as the 91吃瓜网渨orld91吃瓜网 leading accreditation body for programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.91吃瓜网� Accreditation awarded through ABET91吃瓜网 Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) affirms that these Southern Miss programs rank among the nation91吃瓜网 best for students pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
91吃瓜网淎BET EAC accreditation is essential for engineering programs to demonstrate they meet the quality expectations of the industry, and that we are achieving the outcomes we91吃瓜网檝e defined for our programs,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Polymer Science and Engineering
The university91吃瓜网 Bachelor of Science in Polymer Science and Engineering was first offered in fall 2012, with its first graduates completing the program in spring 2016. The program91吃瓜网 last general review was the initial accreditation visit conducted Sept. 16-18, 2018, with full accreditation granted in August 2019. It was the first EAC-accredited program offered at 91吃瓜网.
Dr. Derek Patton, director of the School of Polymer Science and Engineering, said accreditation from ABET now through 2031 91吃瓜网渞einforces the reputation of our program as one of the nation91吃瓜网 leaders in polymer education and assures students and employers alike that a degree from 91吃瓜网 in polymer science and engineering meets the highest standards of quality.91吃瓜网�
He thanked Drs. Sarah Morgan, Heather Broadhead, Sergei Nazarenko, Zhe Qiang, and staff member Bret Calhoun, among others, for their work in securing this outcome.
91吃瓜网淎ccreditation by ABET ensures that degree programs meet rigorous criteria for curriculum, faculty expertise, facilities and continuous improvement,91吃瓜网� Dr. Patton added. 91吃瓜网淚t also assures employers that graduates of our undergraduate degree in polymer science and engineering are well prepared with technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, design skills, hands-on experiences, and have benefited from our engagement with industry partners.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淭hose who complete the program not only advance technology but exemplify the university91吃瓜网 91吃瓜网�91吃瓜网91吃瓜网� commitment in preparing them to lead, adapt, and innovate in a rapidly changing world."
Computer Engineering
A proposed curriculum and degree plan for the Computer Engineering program were developed by the School of Computing in 2015, with final approval by the university91吃瓜网 Academic Council. The proposal was approved by Mississippi91吃瓜网 Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), the governing board for the state91吃瓜网 eight public universities, in 2016.
The Computer Engineering program officially launched in fall 2017. In fall 2022, the program completed its initial accreditation process and was accredited through Sept. 30, 2025, by ABET. The accreditation action was applied retroactively to Oct. 1, 2020.
91吃瓜网淎chieving initial ABET accreditation for our computer engineering degree was a tremendous milestone, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled engineers in Mississippi and beyond,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Sarah Lee, director of the School of Computing Science and Computer Engineering.
91吃瓜网淭his reaccreditation reflects the strong leadership of the program coordinator Dr. Zhaoxian Zhou and the dedication of the entire Computer Engineering faculty, whose commitment to excellence made this achievement possible.91吃瓜网�
Ocean Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering at 91吃瓜网 launched in fall 2017, with its first graduate in summer 2021. The program was established to support the university91吃瓜网 contribution to the Blue Economy of the Gulf Coast, addressing regional needs and expanding employment opportunities.
Identifying ocean engineering as a focus for program development leveraged existing resources and faculty expertise within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE), resulting in a regionally distinctive program designed to attract new students. The program91吃瓜网 last general review was Oct. 9-11, 2022, and it received initial ABET accreditation in 2023.
SOSE Director Dr. Robert Leaf said ABET accreditation 91吃瓜网渟ignals to students and employers alike that graduates are ready to enter critical technical fields91吃瓜网� and 91吃瓜网渆xpands access to opportunities that include competitive scholarships and grants to roles where an ABET-accredited degree is preferred or required.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Leaf credited Drs. Gero Nootz, Mahdi Razaz, Kemal Cambazoglu and Jerry Wiggert, 91吃瓜网渁longside partners inside and outside of SOSE,91吃瓜网� for their efforts in preparing the program for accreditation review.
91吃瓜网淥ur receiving the ABET accreditation affirms that our curriculum, faculty, facilities, and institutional support meet rigorous, internationally recognized criteria focused on quality, precision, and safety, and that we are committed to continuous improvement,91吃瓜网� he said. 91吃瓜网淭he outcomes for our students are validated by employer feedback and by students who tell us the program gave them a decisive advantage in the job market.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淭his milestone also underscores the university91吃瓜网 leadership in the Blue Economy,91吃瓜网� Leaf added. 91吃瓜网淥ur ocean engineering program is the only one of its kind in Mississippi and one of just eight ABET-accredited ocean engineering programs nationwide. Our location enables us to leverage our coastal setting to provide students with authentic, hands-on experiences in industry and at-sea testing.91吃瓜网�
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