OSU Institute of Technology’s School of Information Technologies has been granted accreditation for its Bachelor of Technology in Information Technologies from ABET, the recognized accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
Randy Ritchey, dean of the School of Information Technologies said he felt elated when he learned the Information Technologies BT program had earned the ABET certification.
“We were very excited. We’ve been working on this for at least two years. It was a lengthy process,” Ritchey said. “The entire faculty and staff were involved.”
For consideration of accreditation, many processes were implemented including an official evaluation request, extensive self-study report and an on-site visit conducted by ABET evaluators.
ABET evaluators assessed the core courses in the bachelor’s degree program offered both on campus and online. Earning ABET accreditation means the degree program is meeting quality standards and producing graduates ready to enter the workforce.
“An external third party looked at our curriculum and said there is quality there,” Ritchey said. “It indicates to students that our courses are a good value. Students can feel confident that they will be recognized in the industry.”
With the certification, graduates can also now be considered for certain local, state and federal jobs that require or prefer a degree from an ABET-accredited program.
“A lot of companies recognize that accreditation and appreciate the discipline that ABET provides,” he said.
The Information Technologies’ BT program is the second OSUIT program to receive ABET accreditation following the School of Engineering Technologies’ BT in Civil Engineering Technology.
“ABET accreditation communicates that the university’s Engineering Technologies and Information Technologies’ Bachelor of Technology programs have met the organization’s rigorous standards for quality,” said Dr. Scott Newman, vice president of Academic Affairs. “Most importantly, accreditation through ABET means that students, employers and others can be confident that OSUIT is doing what it should be to ensure graduates are well prepared.”
Right now, accreditation of the Information Technology BT program goes through 2019, but by adding a pre-calculus math course into the curriculum, which should happen soon, the accreditation could extend another two to three years, Ritchey said.
“It’s a continual process,” he said, with faculty and staff meeting to go over courses and self-evaluate to ensure accreditation standards are continually met. “It’s a great marketing tool. More students out of state will hear about us. That may mean more students enrolled. It can assure students will receive a top-rated, quality education.”