What is ABET?
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental agency that provides voluntary accreditation to college or university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation is assigned to the program not the institution.  ABET also offers the opportunity to provide specialized accreditation for post-secondary programs within degree-granting institutions already recognized by national or regional institutional accreditation agencies or national education authorities worldwide. 

ABET has been accrediting programs since 1932 with approximately 175,000 students graduating from ABET-accredited programs annually.  As of May 2023, they have 4,564 accredited programs worldwide, 895 institutions with accredited programs in 40 countries.

ABET has over 2,200 experts that are professionals from industry, academia, and government.  These experts evaluate program materials, visit campuses, and participate in accreditation decisions because they are dedicated to the ongoing improvement of the quality of technical education. General and program criteria are posted on the ABET web site: www.abet.org .

Why Does this Matter?
Geology licensure has been threatened due to limited understanding regarding its value to society as a whole.  Additionally, engineering geology programs have been replaced with general physical science programs in some institutions.  Having accreditation for programs not only ensures graduates will be entering the workforce with the necessary background and skills to be immediately useful, but also demonstrates geology licensure is a separate entity from engineering and the two should remain separate to ensure the health, safety and well being of people and the environment.

Interested in Becoming a Program Evaluator?
If you are interested in becoming a geology/geological science degree program evaluator for the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (https://www.abet.org/program-evaluators/become-a-program-evaluator/how-to-become-a-pev/); selection is based on the following criteria:

• Society Membership – ABET program evaluators (PEVs) are selected by our member societies. Current membership in one of those societies is required before submitting your application. AEG is not presently once of these societies however The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), a.k.a. the Society of Mining Engineers, is the Member Society for geology/geological science; geological engineering, geophysical engineering, mining engineering, and mineral processing and extractive metallurgical engineering degree programs.
• Qualifying Education – You must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in your field of specialty. Graduate degrees are a plus, but are not required for most disciplines.
• Time Commitment – About 5-7 days of your time: 3 hours of online visit preparation, 2-4 days reviewing program materials, 3 days for the on-site visit and 1-2 days of travel.
• Meet the Competency Model – The Program Evaluator Competency Model outlines the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected of an ABET Expert. Familiarize yourself with the model and ensure you have the credentials to become a program evaluator.”

If you are selected there is an initial training period followed by routine training updates every two years. If you are interested and/or would like addition information Greg Hempen is the AEG liaison with ABET.

 ABET Resource Sites:

Become a Program Evaluator  --   https://www.abet.org/program-evaluators/become-a-program-evaluator/

Apply to Become a Program Evaluator --  https://www.abet.org/program-evaluators/become-a-program-evaluator/how-to-become-a-pev/

Create and Account (your ABET account) --  https://amsapp.abet.org/#/createaccount?type=pev

 SME Website  -  https://www.smenet.org