St. John’s Programs in Computer Science, Cyber Security Systems, and Information Technology Attain Distinguished Accreditation

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) recently awarded accreditation to academic programs in Computer Science, Cyber Security Systems, and Information Technology, which are all based at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) at St. John’s University. The board accredits college and university programs in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

“This is a significant achievement for our Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science,” said Joan E. DeBello, Ed.D., who led the accreditation process and is Associate Professor of Mathematics, and Computer Science, and Chair of the Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science at CCPS. “In addition, the ABET accreditation is great news for our faculty, students, and their potential employers as this makes our programs more competitive and ensures that students learn cutting-edge content that meets our program objectives and ABET standards.”

Geoffrey N. Dick, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, assisted Dr. DeBello with the ABET accreditation process.

The ABET accreditation is valid until September 30, 2028, and is backdated for graduates of each of the three programs since October 31, 2019. The programs will continue to follow ABET standards and work on continuous improvement and assessment measures to help with reaccreditation in 2028. 

To achieve this accreditation, an institution must pass rigorous curriculum program and assessment requirements over many years. To be eligible for re-accreditation, the institution must continuously assess the programs and curriculum, Dr. DeBello explained.

Dr. DeBello expressed gratitude to other faculty members for their contributions to the ABET accreditation process, including Bonnie K. MacKellar, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, and Computer Science Undergraduate Coordinator; Erald Troja, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Cyber Security Systems Undergraduate Coordinator; and Nikhil Yadav, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, and Undergraduate Coordinator of Information Technology.