Construction management receives ABET accreditation

  Friday, August 28, 2015 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

The construction management program at Pittsburg State is often described as one of the best in the nation. That reputation was validated recently by one of the nation’s top accrediting agencies.

The program, within the Pitt State College of Technology, is one of just two construction management programs nationwide to be accredited by ABET, a not-for-profit, non-governmental accrediting agency for programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

“ABET is the gold standard for accreditation nationally,” said Jim Otter, chair of the PSU School of Construction. “To receive ABET accreditation means that our program meets the highest standards in regards to preparing our students for the workforce.”

According to ABET’s website, “graduates from an ABET-accredited program have a solid educational foundation and are capable of leading the way in innovation, emerging technologies, and in anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.”

Because ABET accredits programs and not institutions, Otter said receiving the accreditation speaks volumes about the quality of Pitt State’s construction management program.

“These are standards set by your peers in this particular field, and it’s not easy to receive ABET accreditation,” he said. “They look at a number of factors when deciding upon this. This is a big deal for our program, college and university, and we’re very proud of it.”