Mechatronics and quality systems programs gain ABET accreditation

Programs' accreditation allows students and recent alumni to pursue professional credentials

Two Bowling Green State University engineering technology programs have been accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Quality Systems programs in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering have met the commission’s standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.

They join the college’s Engineering Technology and Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology programs that were the first ABET-accredited programs at BGSU in 2015.

“All engineering technology programs in the Department of Engineering Technologies are now ABET accredited,” said Dr. MD Sarder, chair of the department.

ABET accreditation ensures the program meets quality standards and covers the content that is necessary to succeed in the field.

Among the benefits that ABET-accreditation provides is the opportunity for students to pursue the professional credential of Professional Engineer (PE). That is not possible unless students have graduated from an ABET-accredited program, Sarder said.

Courses taken at ABET-accredited universities also are transferrable, which means students from other universities can more easily transfer to BGSU and BGSU students can take courses at other ABET-accredited institutions for credit.

“We are excited to have the distinction of offering two additional accredited programs. This is the gold standard for technology programs,” said Dr. Jennie Gallimore, dean of the college. “Our students and our alumni benefit from programs being ABET-accredited.”

The commission granted the accreditation to mechatronics students who graduated since May 2018 and quality systems alumni who graduated since October 2018. These alumni have the opportunity to request transcripts that will show the ABET accreditation status as they move through their careers.

Sarder also looks forward to recruiting new students into the program. “ABET ensures that we are providing the quality and high standards of the industry. This will help us recruit students who want to be enrolled in a program that meets the high standards of ABET accreditation. It will appeal to more students who will want to come to BGSU.”

The mechatronics engineering technology program, with approximately 50-60 students currently enrolled, is one of the newer programs in the college, started in 2016. The field of mechatronics depends heavily on the integration of electrical, mechanical, computer and network components to the design, application, operation and maintenance of electromechanical systems. The BGSU program prepares graduates for successful careers in robotics and automation areas, related to process control, electronic instrumentation, testing, manufacturing, sales and service.

The bachelor’s degree in quality systems, with more than 100 students enrolled in the online program, prepares graduates for high-demand, high-paying positions as quality engineers, quality technicians, quality managers or lean enterprise leaders in manufacturing, healthcare, government, military, education, service operations, retail, engineering, banking, finance and construction.