Pending a vote this July by the Engineering Accreditation Committee of ABET, Penn State Altoona’s Rail Transportation Engineering Program (RTE) will be officially recognized as the first and only ABET-accredited RTE program in North America.
ABET is the national accreditation organization for engineering programs. This was the first review of Penn State Altoona’s RTE program. The review includes a self-study, done by the academic institution that outlines all of the RTE program and course objectives and outcomes. Penn State Altoona received a favorable review and its self-study was recognized by ABET at its 2017 symposium. The accreditation review process yields data and insights which the RTE faculty can use to deliver the best educational experience and student preparation for the rail industry.
Accreditation for the program will offer opportunities for students and faculty such as research, student exchange, and international recognition.
“ABET accreditation tells students, peers, and the rail industry that the RTE program will be internationally recognized for its quality,” says Stephen Dillen, instructor in electrical engineering. “Our students will be able to pursue a professional engineer license to further their careers. International students graduating from the RTE program will be more marketable – both back home or in the U.S. should they choose to stay here.”