SWOSU Engineering Physics Earns Internationally Recognized ABET Accreditation

SWOSU's Engineering Physics program has earned ABET accreditation following approximately three years of faculty preparation, assessment and documentation. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Drs. Wayne Trail, Terry Goforth and Trevor Ellis. In the back row, from left, are Drs. Nava Khatri, Tony Stein and Nazmus Saquib.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has earned ABET accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics program. The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET evaluates college and university engineering programs according to internationally recognized standards. The accreditation becomes effective Oct. 1, 2026, and applies retroactively to October 2024 so recent graduates can receive the same benefits as current and future students.

The accreditation recognizes the quality of the education provided by the Engineering Physics program and strengthens the professional value of the degrees its graduates earn. ABET's review confirms that SWOSU's program meets established standards for engineering education. Accreditation can also expand employment opportunities, particularly for positions that require a degree from an ABET-accredited program. An ABET-accredited engineering degree provides the standard educational path toward professional engineer licensure.

SWOSU's Engineering Physics program gives students a strong foundation in the physics, mathematics and scientific principles behind engineering. Students apply those principles to engineering analysis, design and problem-solving. The broad curriculum prepares them to approach technical problems from several perspectives and gives them flexibility as their interests and careers develop.

Graduates are prepared to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and become engineers in training after completing their degrees. They may pursue careers in areas related to mechanical, electrical, aerospace, materials, energy and manufacturing engineering. The degree also prepares students for master's or doctoral study in physics, engineering and applied science. Students with strong interests in mathematics and science can prepare for engineering careers without narrowing their education to one specialty too early.

SWOSU established the program in 1979. The first students graduated in 1983. For more than four decades, the program has prepared students for technical careers and advanced study.

The accreditation is the result of approximately three years of intensive work by Engineering Physics faculty. Drs. Tony Stein, Nava Khatri and Wayne Trail completed the process alongside Dr. Terry Goforth, who recently retired from the university. Their work included extensive assessment, documentation and a detailed self-study, followed by an ABET site visit. Former Department of Chemistry and Physics Chair Dr. Tim Hubin and current Chair Dr. Trevor Ellis provided support throughout the process. ABET reviewers evaluated the program's curriculum, faculty, facilities, student outcomes, institutional support and process for ongoing improvement. Dr. Nazmus Saquib joined the Engineering Physics faculty this year and brings additional engineering experience to the program.

"This accreditation reflects the extraordinary commitment of our Engineering Physics faculty and the quality of the program they have built at SWOSU," said Dr. Jason Johnson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "Most importantly, ABET designation creates new opportunities for our graduates and strengthens SWOSU's ability to prepare highly skilled engineers for Oklahoma's workforce."

ABET accreditation requires the program to maintain regular assessment and improvement after the initial review. Program graduates and local engineers serve on an Industrial Advisory Board that provides industry perspectives. Their involvement helps faculty keep the program connected to the expectations students will encounter in engineering careers.

The faculty's accreditation efforts were supported by the SWOSU administration as a strategic investment in the program and the university's ability to help meet Oklahoma's workforce needs. With ABET accreditation, SWOSU is better positioned to recruit and educate engineering students for high-demand technical careers. Oklahoma employers benefit from graduates with strong preparation in science, mathematics, analysis and engineering. The investment strengthens the program and expands SWOSU's role in the economic and workforce development of the state.

For more information about the SWOSU Department of Engineering Physics, visit https://www.swosu.edu/undergraduate/engineering-physics/index.php.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves more than 5,000 students and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit www.swosu.edu.