VCU Computer Science Program accreditation renewed

By Mike Frontiero
VCU School of Education

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has renewed its accreditation for the Computer Science Program in Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Engineering, affirming the high quality of education offered by the engineering school.

"ABET's accreditation validates that we follow standards of quality in education set by peer institutions," said Robert J. Mattauch, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering. "Accreditation also enhances national recognition of the program, helping students gain admission to top graduate schools and those seeking employment."

VCU's Computer Science program was established in 1977 and in 1988 became the first such program in Virginia to receive national accreditation. It offers an undergraduate degree accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, a post-baccalaureate certificate program and a master's degree. In 2001, the program moved from the College of Humanities and Sciences to the School of Engineering because the curriculum is more closely related to engineering.

"Half of the computer science programs in the United States are in engineering schools," said James E. Ames IV, Ph.D., chairman of the Computer Science Program. "The renewal of our accreditation is a strong affirmation that the decision to move Computer Science to the School of Engineering was the right thing to do, that the transition is complete and that we are moving in the right direction."

The Bachelor of Science degree in computer science emphasizes continuing self-development of individuals currently engaged in science, technology and engineering-related fields. It prepares those who have completed undergraduate majors in these fields for entry into a career in the numerous areas that use computing technology, such as software engineering, neural networks and medicine.