Courtesy of Benedict College
The Environmental Engineering Program at Benedict College received its initial accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the national organization that accredits undergraduate programs in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. Accreditation criteria and standards are developed with ABET’s member societies with the goal of assuring confidence in STEM education.
Benedict College is the first HBCU in South Carolina to offer an accredited BS degree in Environmental Engineering, one of only two in the state. Clemson University is the only other institution in South Carolina with an accredited Environmental Engineering program. Since its inception in 2012, the program has more than doubled its enrollment, indicating a growing demand for the major.
“ABET accreditation is the recognized seal of approval that validates that our environmental engineering program meets the highest standards and positions our graduates to pursue careers as licensed engineers and representing the BEST of BC!” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President, and CEO of Benedict College.
The 2022 graduating class had a 100% hiring rate. The program prepares students for careers in water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, remediation in polluted sites and air quality engineering. The scholars typically engage in internships during the summer, either with environmental engineering-related firms or in research labs at Benedict College and other institutions. During this time, the students complete a senior design project in partnership with local engineering firms or the City of Columbia.
“I commend our talented and hard-working faculty who have demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service,” said Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“ABET accreditation is a game-changing for Benedict’s Environmental Engineering program, in terms of recruiting and the opportunities available to our students after they graduate.” noted Dr. Jessica Furrer, Program Head and ABET Coordinator. “Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program will allow our students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam immediately after graduation and ultimately pursue professional licensure, which is critical for design engineers in this field. Employers look for students to have an ABET- accredited degree because it gives them confidence that they are well-prepared for a career in environmental engineering.”
