The ABET Advantage | Why it Matters to Professionals

ABET is a United States-based non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits higher education institution (HEI) programs in highly technical specializations like computing, engineering, engineering technology, and sciences. This independent, international accreditation body verifies the standards of academic programs and their effectiveness in producing graduates who can competently join the global workforce.

With thousands of new college graduates flooding the job market each year, it can be difficult for applicants to make their credentials stand out. The job market has become so cutthroat that candidates vying for lucrative job roles need to stack up on relevant skills and certifications to grab the attention of employers.

Fortunately, some higher education institutions like Mapúa University offer ABET-accredited programs to ensure that students immediately have an edge when they enter the labor force.

Mapúa received its first ABET accreditation in 2010 for Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics Engineering. It attained this recognition through its performance, rigorous curriculum, consistent program objectives, and continuous improvement. The university has 14 programs, the most by a Philippine HEI, accredited by the ABET-Engineering Accreditation Commission and ABET-Computing Accreditation Commission.

Why does an ABET accreditation matter so much? The main reason is countries like the United States and established international corporations require computing, engineering, and engineering technology professionals to have ABET-accredited degrees. The same criteria apply to most Philippine-based engineering and IT companies who prefer graduates of ABET-accredited programs since it assures them of the skills and competencies gained through the quality of their education.

“Graduates from non-ABET accredited schools might face challenges in job applications when they choose to pursue their career abroad; they might also need to take additional licensure exams. Receiving accreditation ensures quality education, and many employers and licensing boards prefer graduates from ABET-accredited programs,” said Dr. Lilibeth D. Sabino, Mapúa’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Sabino explained that an ABET-accredited degree opens opportunities for graduates to work overseas. Since the accreditation guarantees potential employers of international educational standards, candidates can quickly launch their careers anywhere in the world. Aside from knowledge and technical skills, these individuals can also confidently keep up and thrive in a global setting.

Through the internationally vetted education and training that they have received, these professionals continue to make invaluable contributions to their respective industries and organizations, both here and abroad.

Applications for A.Y. 2024-2025 are now open! Learn more about Mapúa and its cutting-edge programs at www.mapua.edu.ph or go to https://admissions.mapua.edu.ph/ to apply.