Western Michigan University announced on Nov. 12 that its bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity has received accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The recognition is significant for students and employers, as it confirms that the program meets international standards for quality and prepares graduates for technical careers. ABET accreditation assures that academic programs produce graduates ready to enter fields where innovation, safety, and public welfare are priorities.
The interdisciplinary cybersecurity program at Western Michigan University (WMU) is part of both the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Haworth College of Business. This allows students to access faculty and resources from both colleges. “Our students are already demonstrating the remarkable achievements they are capable of through our cybersecurity program,” said 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.”
Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean of the Haworth College of Business, said: “As students decide where to pursue their degree, program quality and outcomes factor heavily into their decisions. 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.” The voluntary peer-review process by ABET is widely respected because it brings value to programs in technical disciplines.
ABET criteria focus on what students experience during their studies by reviewing curricula, faculty qualifications, facilities, institutional support, as well as input from professionals in industry, academia, and government who serve as reviewers. As a nonprofit organization certified under ISO 9001 standards for quality assurance, ABET currently accredits 4,773 programs at 930 colleges or universities across 41 countries or areas as reported by the official website.
Western Michigan University enrolls more than 17,000 students according to the official website. The university supports inclusive excellence for all students according to its official website, promotes sustainability with LEED-certified buildings along with award-winning landscaping as stated on its official site, fields 16 Division I varsity sports within the Mid-American Conference according to university sources, has earned top-100 rankings nationally for several graduate programs according to its official website, and emphasizes education that is learner-focused while being research-oriented and globally involved as reported by WMU’s site.
More information about Western Michigan University’s undergraduate degrees or certificates in cybersecurity can be found at wmich.edu/cybersecurity.
