Alvernia’s Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Programs Receive ABET Accreditation
Accreditation affirms that the university’s programs meet the quality standards established by the engineering profession
Alvernia University’s Bachelor of Science programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering have been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, a nonprofit, ISO 9001-certified quality assurance organization. Through the accreditation of academic programs, recognition of credentials, and assessment of student learning, ABET supports excellence in education worldwide in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET ensures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and to anticipate the welfare and safety needs of the public.The accreditation of these programs is effective retroactive to October 1, 2024.
“The accreditation of Alvernia’s electrical and mechanical engineering programs is a testament to Alvernia’s commitment to prepare graduates to enter critical STEM fields by providing a rigorous educational foundation,” said Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM, provost and chief academic officer at Alvernia University. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and industry partners to addressing the growing demand for highly skilled engineers in Berks County and beyond.”
Sought worldwide, ABET’s voluntary peer-review process is highly respected because it adds critical value to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision and safety are of the utmost importance. Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews assess program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support, and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia, and government with expertise in the ABET disciplines. ABET currently accredits 4,773 programs at 930 colleges and universities in 42 countries and areas as of Oct. 1, 2024.
Alvernia University established its John R. Post School of Engineering, featuring the inaugural electrical and mechanical engineering programs, in fall 2021 to meet student interest, local market demand, and community workforce needs. It has since added civil engineering, biomedical engineering, and industrial engineering technology and management programs, continuing to expand its academic offerings to meet student and community needs. The first graduating class of the John R. Post School of Engineering graduated in May of 2025.
Alvernia University continues to partner with regional employers to help shape curriculum, identify workforce needs, and provide students with professional connections. These partnerships support Alvernia’s efforts to address regional demand for skilled engineers.
“Our Engineering Advisory Board helps shape a curriculum that gives students the technical and interpersonal skills employers demand so they graduate ready to succeed,” shared Joseph Mahoney, Ph.D., chair of John R. Post School of Engineering. “This accreditation validates the work our faculty, students, and industry partners have put into building these programs. From the start, we have focused on strong technical preparation, hands-on experience, and real engineering problems. ABET accreditation confirms that our electrical and mechanical engineering programs meet the standards of the profession and gives us a strong foundation to keep building.”
For example, East Penn Manufacturing Co., a battery manufacturer located in Berks County, has played a pivotal role in retaining engineering talent in Berks County. Three Alvernia electrical engineering graduates are currently working at the company.
“Our partnership with Alvernia University has helped us connect with talented engineers who contribute from day one,” says Aaron Bollinger, vice president of Automotive and Diversified Engineering at East Penn Manufacturing, who oversees two of the alumni engineers. “We are excited to contribute to keeping local talent working and living in Berks County.”
Industry engagement is built throughout the Alvernia engineering experience, with design incorporated into every year of the program. Students progress from introductory design and problem-solving to increasingly complex projects, culminating in a year-long senior capstone project often developed with regional partners. Along the way, they gain hands-on laboratory experience and opportunities for internships and undergraduate research.
To learn more about Alvernia University’s engineering programs, CLICK HERE.