Accreditation of Engineering Programs
- Objective: An introduction to internal and external accreditation of engineering programs
- Outline: Accreditation in the world, accreditation in Iran, mechanism of internal accreditation, mechanism of external accreditation, etc.
- Presented by: Prof. Hossein Memarian
Abstract: Today, engineering is considered as a universal system and consequently, engineering education follows a global pattern. In such condition, equal validity of degrees and certificates is very important. Validation needs accreditation. In the past, accreditation used to be done according to the quality of services offered by a university. New approach to accreditation of engineering programs was launched at the later years of the 20th century and quickly spread. Presently, accreditation is mainly based on the learning outcomes of the students after graduation from a programs. Modern accreditation does not focus on rating or ranking educational institutions or programs, but rather its aim is upgrading educational programs to specific quality standard level. In different countries, accreditation of engineering programs is done based on almost the same standards and criteria. Such standards define framework of outcomes of the program, which are knowledge, skills and attitudes gained by the students. In developed countries, accreditation is done by independent institutions. Accreditation process comprises two aspects of internal and external assessment. Internal assessment is done by educational institution itself and external accreditation by an independent accreditation institution. In Iran, a national process has recently been developed for accreditation of engineering programs. Iran Accreditation Institute for Engineering Education (IAIEE) was established in 2011, shortly after establishment of Iran Society of Engineering Education (ISEE). IAIEE focuses on quality assurance and upgrading the quality of engineering education programs of Iran.
