Missouri State University’s BS in Computer Science has once again earned ABET accreditation, now extended through 2031.
This recognition affirms the program meets the highest standards for computing education, standards shaped by industry leaders, employers and academic experts. It is a powerful message to employers that Missouri State computer science graduates are ready to work.
ABET is a nonprofit organization that accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. ABET accreditation is recognized worldwide as a mark of academic excellence and program credibility.
A collective achievement
Dr. Ajay Katangur serves as the computer science department head. According to him, the program earned the accreditation after a rigorous multi-year process.
Every faculty member played a part in this achievement.
“All the faculty in the department contributed toward securing ABET accreditation, as the documentation is comprised of detailed course assessments, student learning outcomes, continuous improvement records and evidence of teaching effectiveness,” Katangur said. “This was truly a collective effort, as no one person could have accomplished it alone.”
The teamwork paid off. When ABET evaluators visited campus in 2024, they had no concerns. The department’s comprehensive report earned praise from the review team for its quality and thoroughness.
“The outcome was no surprise to us,” Katangur added. “We were well prepared and confident in the strength of our program.”
Shaping the future
To maintain accreditation, the department never stops improving, according to Katangur.
Faculty-led committees meet regularly to adapt to fast-changing industry needs. For example, the department launched its data science undergraduate program last year, and it is planning new offerings in quantum computing and graduate-level data science.
The department’s faculty members are committed to the ongoing enhancement of the curriculum, recognizing that computer science is a rapidly evolving field. They continually review course content, incorporate emerging technologies and adapt teaching methods to ensure students are prepared for the challenges of today’s industry and the innovations of tomorrow.
Assessment is also key. Classes feature various forms of evaluation, including quizzes, homework and exams. This ensures students are not judged on a single performance, balancing fairness with rigor.
Opening more doors
An ABET-accredited degree can be a critical asset in the job market.
“Some federal jobs and top tech companies won’t even consider candidates from non-ABET-accredited programs,” said Katangur. “It’s a filler.”