Accreditation recognizes program quality and extends retroactively to 11 Marian engineering graduates
Following an 18-month evaluation process by ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission, Marian University’s Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering programs have earned initial ABET accreditation, a major milestone for two of the university’s growing engineering programs.
The accreditation is retroactive to October 1, 2024, meaning 11 Marian graduates, 10 in civil engineering and one in chemical engineering, from the 2025 and 2026 graduating classes are now graduates of ABET-accredited programs.
ABET is a nonprofit organization that accredits college and university programs in engineering and other technical disciplines. ABET accreditation provides independent assurance that an engineering program meets established standards for preparing graduates to enter their profession. For Marian students and graduates, accreditation can provide access to important professional opportunities and is especially significant for those pursuing professional engineering licensure.
“ABET accreditation focuses on the assessment, evaluation and continuous improvement of programs by engaging faculty, staff, students and industry advisory board members,” said Daba Gedafa, Ph.D., dean of Marian University’s E. S. Witchger School of Engineering. “For our students, accreditation can open doors to internships, scholarships and professional opportunities, while providing an important pathway toward becoming licensed professional engineers.”
The accreditation followed an extensive review of both programs, including their curricula, faculty, facilities, educational objectives, student outcomes, and continuous improvement processes. ABET’s evaluation included an on-campus visit in September 2025. Evaluators recognized Marian’s investment in engineering education as an institutional strength, citing the university’s new facilities, advanced laboratory equipment, and hands-on learning opportunities. ABET noted that Marian’s fundraising and philanthropic support have helped the Witchger School develop facilities and equipment that support student learning and preparation for engineering careers.
“When we launched the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering, we worked alongside local industry to build high-quality, hands-on, contemporary engineering programs that meet rigorous professional standards,” said Binh Q. Tran, Ph.D., Marian University’s chief academic officer and founding dean of the Witchger School of Engineering. “Earning ABET accreditation for our Chemical and Civil Engineering programs is a significant achievement for Marian University. It provides independent assurance that our programs meet the highest standards of engineering education. Not every engineering program achieves ABET accreditation. This recognition affirms the quality of our students, faculty, staff, and industry partners and reflects our commitment to training engineers with a Franciscan conscience.”
The E. S. Witchger School of Engineering enrolled its inaugural class in 2022, which graduated in May 2026. Witchger Engineering offers undergraduate engineering programs designed around hands-on learning, industry engagement and Marian University’s Franciscan commitment to serving others. The school currently serves nearly 300 students and includes 20 full-time faculty members.