At the 24 October 2025 ABET governance meeting, the Computing Area Delegation (CAD) approved for…
At the 24 October 2025 ABET governance meeting, the Computing Area Delegation (CAD) approved two changes to the General Criteria applicable to all accredited computing programs (and will be In effect for reviews commencing in Fall 2026), two proposals for changes to the Information Systems program criteria, and a newly proposed program criteria for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and similarly named programs. The two proposed changes for IS programs as well as the entire AI / ML program criteria will each be available for a year of review and comment before any final action is taken at the Fall 2026 ABET governance meeting.
The approved revisions (effective Fall 2026) to the General Criteria include new language regarding the requirement for Program Educational Objectives (Criterion 2: PEOs) and for a comprehensive project / experience (Criterion 5: Curriculum). The full text the General Criterion can be found here (see pages 1-2). Please note that these changes are effective for all accredited computing programs effective Fall 2026.
Also approved for a year of review and comment were a set of proposed revisions to the Information Systems Program Criteria. These include new language regarding the Information Systems Environment (Criterion 5: Curriculum) and also for faculty (Criterion 6: Faculty). The full text of these proposed changes also can be found here (see pages 3-4). Please note that these changes are only being proposed at this time; final action will be taken at the Fall 2026 ABET governance meeting.
Finally, approved for a year of review and comment is a newly proposed program criteria for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and similarly named programs. The full text of this newly proposed program criteria also can be found here (see page 5). These also is only a proposal at this time; final action will be taken at the Fall 2026 ABET governance meeting.
If you are interested in seeking ABET accreditation for your degree program, visit https://www.abet.org/accreditation/what-is-accreditation/eligibility-requirements/ for eligibility requirements and links to relevant documents, contacts, and additional information.
