Fontbonne University’s bachelor’s degree program in computer science has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
ABET accreditation assures that a collegiate program has met standards essential to produce graduates who are ready to enter the critical STEM fields. Graduates from an ABET-accredited program have a solid education foundation and are capable of leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies and anticipating the needs of the public.
“The ABET accreditation in computer science is exciting for us because it puts Fontbonne on the map,” said Mary Abkemeier, chair of Fontbonne’s mathematics and computer science department. “It shows that as a small, private institution, we provide a high-quality computer science program.”
Sought worldwide, ABET’s voluntary peer-review process is highly respected because it adds critical value to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision and safety are of the utmost importance.
Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities and institutional support, and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia and government with expertise in the ABET disciplines.
“Our program is unique because of its rigor not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom,” Abkemeier said. “We provide heavy doses of practical experience through internship opportunities and many hands-on classroom experiences.”
As of July 1, 2018, Fontbonne is among only eight universities in Missouri to have its computer science program ABET accredited; it is the only Catholic university in Missouri with this accreditation; it is the only private university in St. Louis; and it is one of two private universities in Missouri with this accreditation for computer science.
For more information about Fontbonne’s bachelor’s degree program in computer science, visit www.fontbonne.edu/cs.