A planning model for ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 [engineering education]

ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 provides a new basis for accrediting engineering education programs in the USA. Conceptually, the new basis is straightforward with each program being required to have education objectives along with processes that demonstrate the objectives are met through learning outcomes and an ongoing commitment to improvement. Despite the simplicity of the basic concept, initial implementation is proving to be difficult because of the inherent freedom provided by the new criteria for each program. ABET has been reluctant to provide specific examples of how a program can satisfy the new criteria for fear that the examples will become viewed as "standards" and inhibit faculty from taking advantage of the freedom that is intended to be available. This paper presents a model to help faculty and program administrators plan their transition to the ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 in a structured manner. This model is presented from the perspective of what the faculty and administrators within a program should consider in order to comply with ABET Engineering Criteria 2000. Although the model does not deal with the methods and procedures that ABET may employ in the accreditation process, the model should help each program anticipate what will be needed to prepare for the general review process.