North Park’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Earns Accreditation

North Park University's Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET this fall.

The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET granted North Park University's Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering accreditation, benefiting prospective students, current students, and recent graduates.

"By the grace of God, we were able to receive accreditation upon our first entry," said Professor of Physics and Engineering Dr. George Quainoo. "Not only that, but we also received the full six years of accreditation and two retroactive years on top of that. This is the gold standard of engineering accreditation, and we are grateful for the expanded opportunities it offers our recent graduates and current and incoming students. Credit to the hard work and dedication of the Physics and Engineering (PHEN) department, especially Dr. Libin Babu, who led the accreditation process."

The major launched in spring 2017 but was more theoretical than practical due to insufficient infrastructure and equipment. Quainoo, also the department chair, joined the Department of Physics and Engineering in spring 2018. Under his and Associate Dean of the Division of Sciences Dr. Matthew Schau's direction, and with the assistance of program faculty Dr. Libin Babu and Dr. Jie Yao, the program underwent significant curricular revisions and physical space renovations to prepare for ABET review from 2019 until November 2025, when ABET conducted its site visit following North Park's application during the 2024-25 academic year.

North Park University is now among only three ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering programs in Chicago. Its values-based Christian teaching model and small class sizes further position it as a unique learning environment in which students receive mentorship and hands-on experience.

Physical updates include the creation of the PHEN Hub, a dedicated study space in the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. The Johnson Center now also houses the program's classrooms, faculty offices, and laboratories that host equipment for student use in research and capstone projects. To complement this, classes that arose from the revised curriculum-like "Fluid Mechanics," "Introduction to Materials Science," and "Machine Design and Analysis"-not only align North Park's program with ABET requirements, but they also provide students opportunities to work with equipment such as a wind tunnel and a scanning electron microscope, which are typically reserved for graduate students at other universities.

But these rooms are more than a learning space. With everyone under one roof, students naturally gather in the PHEN Hub after their classes to study and hang out, with professors occasionally popping in to guide discussions on the right track. It's a close-knit department.

"There is palpable excitement throughout the department for our achievement of receiving accreditation after many years of development. Students are grinning and high-fiving each other in the hallways. It truly is a blessing," said Quainoo.

ABET accreditation is recognized globally and signals to both students and employers that a program meets the standards of the profession for which it prepares its students. Rather than teaching inputs-resources, structures, and processes-it focuses on learning outcomes, ensuring students are at the center of the program, promoting educational best practices and continuous quality self-assessment and improvement among faculty and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accreditation did North Park University's Mechanical Engineering program receive? North Park's Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering earned accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET in fall 2026. ABET accreditation is the globally recognized standard confirming an engineering program meets professional benchmarks for graduates entering the field.

Is this North Park's first time earning ABET accreditation for this program? Yes. The program launched in spring 2017 as a theoretical degree without ABET status due to limited infrastructure. Faculty spent from 2019 to November 2025 revising the curriculum and renovating program space to prepare for ABET's review, culminating in a site visit in November 2025 following North Park's application during the 2024-25 academic year.

How long does North Park's accreditation last? North Park received the maximum six years of accreditation on its first review, plus two retroactive years, giving current and recent graduates the benefit of accredited status, too.

How does North Park's program compare to other mechanical engineering programs in Chicago? North Park is now one of only three ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering programs in Chicago. Its small class sizes and values-based Christian teaching model further distinguish it, offering students close mentorship alongside hands-on technical training.

Why does ABET accreditation matter to students and employers? ABET accreditation signals that a program meets professional standards by evaluating what students learn and can do, rather than just the resources or coursework a program provides. Employers and graduate programs recognize ABET status as confirmation that graduates are prepared for the field.

Where can I learn more about North Park's Mechanical Engineering program? Details on North Park's Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering are available on the university's website, including program requirements and faculty information.