I got the "bob-n-weave" from APU when I asked them directly about their ABET standing:
"Hello, Terry!
Acquiring specialized accreditation is a voluntary, discipline-specific process which generally takes several years to complete. This includes a time period prior to application for accreditation when an institution/program must achieve certain milestones. In addition, the steps and timeline for the accreditation process are subject to modification, and there is no assurance that the American Public University System (APUS), or for that matter any institution seeking a specific programmatic accreditation, would achieve said accreditation.
Additionally, the ABET process does not permit us to disclose anything outside of full achievement of accreditation. Unfortunately this means I can only provide you with the information that the BSEE program was created with ABET objectives in mind to assist in possible future applications, however we do not have a definitive time frame for seeking this accreditation.
However, American Public University is a member of APUS, an accredited institution of higher learning as set forth in the standards of the following regional accrediting authority:
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) –Formerly known as the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
The HLC is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The HLC has been the accrediting body for APUS since May of 2006, and as part of the HLC’s accreditation timeline, was reaccredited in June of 2011 through the 2020-2021 school year. Please see the attached approval letters and the HLC website where you can find information on recognition policies and standards requirements. (
http://hlcommission.org/) All of our degree programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, are covered by this accreditation.
If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.
E---- G----
Sr. Accreditation Specialist
American Public University System
American Military University | American Public University
111 W. Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
Toll free: 877-468-6268 extension 3778
T 304-724-3778 | F 304-724-3779 | Accreditation@apus.edu|
http://www.apus.edu "
I've personally examined APU's curriculum and it fits well within the ABET-specified curriculum for electrical engineering; however, ABET also reviews & rates many other administrative functions on the school's part as part of it's accreditation process.
With APU's current curriculum meeting ABET guidelines, and assuming that they've graduated some students from this program by now, the most logical deduction as to what's holding up and/or preventing ABET accreditation is SOME factor involved with APU's internal administrative function(s).
That may or may not necessarily be a deal-breaker depending on your personal situation; for my situation it wouldn't deter me (the lab equipment fees do, though).
If an MS in Engineering is your long-term goal, you'll need to have a specific program and school in mind for the MS; you'll need to verify that they'll accept a non-ABET, regionally-accredited BSEE into their program - some will, some won't.
Examples: the University of Arkansas WILL NOT accept a non-ABET BSEE into their distance MSE program; Clemson University, Binghamton University, and UNC Charlotte WILL accept non-ABET degrees into their MEng/MSEM distance programs.
Standard engineering disclaimer: a non-ABET BSEE won't necessarily prohibit gaining a PE license (depending on your state's regulations); but in ALL cases, it will make the process much longer.
As with ANY college degree path: understand all of your current and future needs before committing.
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