WMU cybersecurity program receives ABET accreditation

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Through the accreditation of academic programs, recognition of credentials and assessment of student learning, ABET supports excellence in education worldwide.

WMU’s interdisciplinary cybersecurity program is part of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Haworth College of Business, providing students access to the faculty and resources of both colleges.

ABET accreditation assures that programs meet 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.

"Our students are already demonstrating the remarkable achievements they are capable of through our cybersecurity program," says Dr. Steve Butt, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "The ABET accreditation affirms the excellence of this program and confirms that our graduates receive an education that aligns with global standards and prepares them for future success."

Sought worldwide, ABET’s voluntary peer-review process is highly respected because it adds critical value to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision and safety are of the utmost importance.

“As students decide where to pursue their degree, program quality and outcomes factor heavily into their decisions,” says Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean of the Haworth College of Business. “ABET’s accreditation of WMU’s cybersecurity program highlights its rigor and relevance. This accreditation validates our cybersecurity bachelor’s degree so that prospective students, their families and potential employers can have ultimate confidence in how the program reflects technical and industry needs.”

Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities and institutional support and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines.

ABET is a nonprofit, ISO 9001-certified quality assurance organization that currently accredits 4,773 programs at 930 colleges and universities in 41 countries and areas as of Oct. 1, 2024.

More information about ABET, its member societies and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs can be found at www.abet.org.  

For more information on Western Michigan University’s cybersecurity undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, visit wmich.edu/cybersecurity.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.