UNCP Computer Science Program Earns ABET Accreditation
UNC Pembroke’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program has earned initial accreditation from ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission, providing independent recognition of the program's quality and rigor as it prepares students for careers and advanced study in computing.
The accreditation, which extends through Sept. 30, 2032, comes as UNCP continues to expand its computing programs amid rapid growth in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technologies.
ABET accreditation is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process that evaluates academic programs against established quality standards. The review examines curriculum, student outcomes, faculty qualifications, assessment practices, student support and continuous improvement.
“Earning initial ABET accreditation is a significant milestone for our Computer Science program because it provides external recognition of the quality of our program and validates our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Dr. Haitao Zhao, assistant professor in the Mathematics and Computer Science department. “For our department, this achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff and gives our students greater confidence in the quality of their education and preparation for careers and graduate study.”
For prospective students, the accreditation provides independent assurance that UNCP’s program meets standards established for computing education and is preparing graduates to enter technical fields in the global workforce.
Earning the accreditation required faculty and staff to conduct a comprehensive review of the program, including its curriculum, educational objectives, student learning outcomes and assessment processes. The review included a detailed self-study, documentation and an on-site evaluation.
“Preparing for accreditation review was a collaborative effort among our faculty and staff,” Zhao said. “Most importantly, the process brought our faculty together around a shared commitment to student success and the continued growth of our computer science program,”
Dr. Shreerekha Pillai, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the accreditation reflects the strength of the program and the work that went into achieving the recognition.
“This ABET accreditation is a tremendous affirmation of the hard work, expertise and commitment of our computer science faculty and staff,” Pillai said. “This milestone reflects not only the quality of our program, but also the care, collaboration and dedication that went into preparing for it.”
Pillai also recognized Zhao for his leadership throughout the accreditation process and thanked university leadership for supporting the effort.
“Dr. Zhao provided outstanding leadership throughout this rigorous process,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the collaboration and support from our university leadership that helped make this achievement possible.”
The accreditation arrives as UNCP looks toward the next phase of growth in computing. The department plans to continue strengthening its computer science curriculum while expanding hands-on learning and research opportunities for students. It also plans to pursue ABET accreditation for its information technology and cybersecurity programs.
Future plans include developing new opportunities in artificial intelligence and graduate education, including an AI track and a Master of Science in Computer Science with a focus on AI and cybersecurity.
“Our goal is to continue building strong computing programs that prepare our students for successful careers, graduate study and lifelong learning,” Zhao said.