Dear Class of 2026,
You should have received an email on Monday regarding our decision to sunset ABET accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BSBME) programs within the School of Engineering. We have received a number of questions from students regarding the ABET sunsetting process, so we are sending this follow-up email to provide clarification and an update to the timeline.
ABET accreditation will now continue through Spring 2026 for the BSCS and BSBME programs within the School of Engineering. This is one year later than previously announced. The Class of 2026 will be able to complete the ABET-accredited BSCS and BSBME programs.
We want to emphasize that Tufts will continue to offer the BSBME and BSCS programs in Engineering, the CS major in Arts & Sciences, and all programs associated with these degrees. All programming will continue to be accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and all of these degrees will continue to offer a top-quality educational experience.
It is important to point out that many highly respected CS and BME programs choose to forgo ABET accreditation. Some have never been ABET accredited, while others were accredited but have withdrawn within the last ten years. After recently receiving full ABET accreditation through 2024, discussions with our alumni, current students, and faculty indicate that they do not consider ABET accreditation necessary for CS and BME programs.
The CS and BME faculty believe that withdrawing from ABET will allow both departments the flexibility to provide an educational experience that better aligns with the departments’ curricular goals and will prepare students well for future success in the workforce and/or graduate school.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Chris Swan
Dean of Undergraduate Education
School of Engineering
and
Associate Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and
Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life
