Illinois College mechanical engineering program earns ABET accreditation

Illinois College's mechanical engineering program has earned accreditation from ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology, marking a major milestone as enrollment in engineering continues to grow at the College.

The accreditation reflects the strength of one of Illinois College's fastest-growing academic programs. As more students choose IC to pursue careers in engineering, ABET accreditation affirms that the mechanical engineering curriculum has met rigorous professional standards for preparing graduates to enter the field since its launch in 2024.

"ABET is internationally recognized for having rigorous engineering standards," said Josiah Kunz, assistant professor of physics and engineering. "Accreditation recognizes the exceptional talent of our students, and indeed Illinois College as a whole. A big part of that was demonstrating that our students are ready for the engineering industry. For example, we have various alumni at NASA, as leaders in the energy sector, and as CEOs of their own companies."

The accreditation comes as Illinois College continues to see growing student interest in engineering. The College launched its four-year mechanical engineering major to meet the demand of regional employers, including Reynolds Consumer Products and the City of Jacksonville. Students complete an engineering degree entirely on campus while benefiting from the education that defines the Illinois College experience. Regardless of their major or program, IC students Graduate READY to solve problems, communicate and collaborate effectively, interpret information and lead ethically.

Building on the College's longstanding Pathways to Engineering program that partners with engineering programs at Washington University and the University of Illinois, the mechanical engineering major has expanded opportunities for students who want the career preparation of a professional engineering program within the close-knit learning environment of a small college. As enrollment has grown, Illinois College has continued to invest in the faculty, facilities, technology and hands-on experiences that support student success.

Hands-on learning is central to the Illinois College program. Students begin working with engineering design, robotics and computer-aided design early in their studies and gain experience with technologies including 3D printers, laser engravers and industry-standard CAD software. Advanced laboratories and collaborative spaces in Crispin Hall allow students to apply classroom concepts through design, testing and analysis.

Students also gain professional experience through internships, faculty-guided research and projects that address real-world engineering challenges. The curriculum includes preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, an important first step toward professional engineering licensure.

The program prepares graduates with skills in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, laboratory practices, design and analysis while emphasizing collaboration, communication and ethical decision-making. Graduates are prepared to enter industry or pursue advanced study in engineering.

For Illinois College, earning ABET accreditation represents the culmination of years of work to establish and grow a rigorous engineering program designed around student success. It also provides a strong foundation for the program's next phase as the College welcomes more students interested in engineering careers.

The accreditation strengthens the value of an Illinois College engineering degree for current students, alumni and the growing number of prospective students considering the program. Graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program can be important for professional licensure, graduate education and employment opportunities in engineering fields.

ABET accreditation provides an important external validation of that growth. Recognized worldwide, ABET accreditation assures students, employers and graduate programs that a collegiate program has met standards essential to preparing graduates to enter critical STEM fields. The accreditation process evaluates areas including curriculum, faculty, facilities, institutional support, student outcomes and a program's commitment to continuous improvement.

With ABET accreditation now in place, Illinois College is positioned to continue building on the momentum of its mechanical engineering program, offering students access to advanced laboratories, industry-standard technology, internship opportunities and close faculty mentorship while preparing them to Graduate READY for careers in a growing field.

Learn more about mechanical engineering at Illinois College at ic.edu/engineering.