The Engineering Design program has taken a significant step forward in its development by achieving accreditation status for meeting quality standards from ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission. 

Formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, ABET is a non-profit organization of leaders within industry, academia and government who are dedicated to contributing to their professions. Panels of these experts evaluate program materials and visit campuses to assure confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Earning accreditation is a significant achievement because Rose-Hulman’s Engineering Design program offers a unique degree in undergraduate STEM education not found at most institutions, notes Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rick Stamper, PhD.

“Our Engineering Design program has been breaking barriers in STEM education since its inception, and earning ABET accreditation is another landmark achievement in its evolution,” Stamper says. “Accreditation acknowledges the hard work by our administration, faculty and staff in establishing a program that meets strenuous STEM education guidelines.”   

Since 2018, the Engineering Design program at Rose-Hulman has been providing students with the skills to understand the depth and breadth of the design process while mastering the technical tools and professional skills to improve the world. Students tackle design challenges for real-world clients through six different design studios, from the first quarter through junior year on campus. That third year features four professional work experiences that could be structured to allow for an international experience, if desired. 

Program graduates have gone on to work in industry with such companies as Raytheon Missile Systems, GE Appliances, Milwaukee Tool, Endress+Hauser, and Resultant. They also have started their own entrepreneurial enterprises and are attending graduate schools throughout the country.

An Engineering Design Lab is part Rose-Hulman’s New Academic Building, with facilities, tools and materials for students to develop product prototypes for industry and community stakeholders and work on multidisciplinary senior-year design projects.

“Engineering Design is a major for today’s global and diverse economy,” states Engineering Design Director Patsy Brackin, PhD. “The program is for creative thinkers who want to get busy learning by doing in a hands-on, immersive educational experience – from a student’s first day on campus.”

Engineering Design joins the Rose-Hulman’s ABET accredited academic programs in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, and Software Engineering.  

Learn more about the Engineering Design program at www.rose-hulman.edu/engineeringdesign.