December 12, 2022
The Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies was recently awarded accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) for the Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Information Technology undergraduate programs and National Security Agency (NSA) designation for the Cyber Security Systems program.
ABET is a well-known accreditation system for programs in engineering, science, and technology. “ABET accreditation means that your program meets the requirements for technical education in your field and you can rely on the program looking for ways to continually improve,” explained Geoffrey N. Dick, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science. "For a student, particularly an international student, or one planning to work overseas or for many multinationals, an ABET accreditation symbol means a lot - worldwide recognition that the program from which one will graduate meets international program standards.
The NSA designation is awarded to institutions that offer a rigorous cybersecurity curriculum. Erald Troja, Ph.D., Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, helped spearhead the approval process.
On the evening of Monday, December 5, a ceremony took place in St. Augustine Hall to celebrate this accreditation and designation. “Accreditation is expensive, complicated, and time-consuming,” said Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University Distinguished Professor, and Provost Endowed Chair, at the ceremony. “But it’s a really great process to go through in which we can critically evaluate ourselves and identify the things on which we can improve.”
According to Joan E. DeBello, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Chair, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, ABET accreditation for the computer science program demonstrates to industry professionals that St. John’s graduates have met or exceeded universal subject matter standards. It also shows the University employs current best practices in computer science education and performs essential curriculum assessments.
Learn more about ABET accreditation for the Computer Science programs and NSA designation for the Cyber Security program.