WKU News

WKU’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences announces that the Computer Science with concentration in Systems/Scientific Application (Bachelor of Science) program has been accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission.

Accreditation is expected to boost student recruitment and benefit area industrial partners looking for computer programmers, according to Dr. Uta Ziegler, Computer Science professor who led the accreditation process.

“ABET accreditation is an indication that courses which the students will take here in computer science do meet a reasonable standard set forth by a professional evaluation board,” she said. “Employers will know this program meets a certain standard.”

ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. ABET accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates. WKU’s Engineering programs also are accredited by ABET.

“We are very excited about this program earning accreditation,” said Dr. Stacy Wilson, director of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

WKU’s Computer Science Systems/Scientific Applications Option requires 50 hours including 47 hours of computer science courses and 3 hours of STAT 301. In addition, this option requires additional mathematics courses and several science courses designated for science or engineering majors.

Dr. Ziegler said students often arrive at WKU with some background and experience in computer science, but an ABET accredited program provides the foundation and skills students need to be successful.

“Here’s a program that can help them follow their passion, learn through hands-on projects and then get a good job,” she said.

Contact: Dr. Uta Ziegler, (270) 745-2911; or Dr. Stacy Wilson, (270) 745-3251