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Texas A&M at Qatar engineering programs accredited

Published Aug 19, 2009

Texas A&M University at Qatar this week received notification that the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET has conferred accreditation on all four of the University's engineering programs in Qatar.

ABET is the premier accreditation authority for institutions offering degree programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology. Accreditation means that an academic program meets quality standards set by academic and professional leaders in the disciplines.

Dr. Mark H. Weichold, dean and CEO of Texas A&M at Qatar, said the accreditation was a welcome endorsement of the University's first-rate engineering programs in Education City. "Academic excellence is our business," Weichold said, "and ABET accreditation is a key marker of the quality to which we aspire."

The University's bachelor of science programs in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering all received accreditation and the accreditation applies to all degrees awarded to Texas A&M at Qatar graduates after 1 Oct. 2007.

Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, interim president of Texas A&M, lauded the news. "We are pleased that Texas A&M's Qatar campus has been accredited by ABET, which validates something that we have known for a long time our Qatar engineering graduates are of the highest caliber and will be a part of the next generation of Aggie leaders," Loftin said. "We appreciate the long-standing partnership Texas A&M has had with the Qatar Foundation as we work together in developing a world-class, comprehensive engineering program in Qatar."

Dr. G. Kemble Bennett, vice chancellor and dean of engineering at Texas A&M, sent his congratulations after hearing news of ABET accreditation for Texas A&M at Qatar. "This is a significant achievement for Texas A&M at Qatar, and I applaud the faculty and staff who worked so diligently toward this goal," he said.

Weichold noted that Texas A&M was invited to Education City because of its reputation for having one of the world's best engineering programs. He said independent ABET accreditation is a good indication that the University has successfully replicated its renowned degree programs in Qatar.

"The independent accreditation of the University's campus in Qatar as a branch campus of Texas A&M is prestigious affirmation that our academic programs are of the caliber necessary to educate engineers who are ready to work in today's fast-changing and technology-driven world," he said.

In May, Texas A&M at Qatar graduated its 100th engineer since it opened in Education City in 2003. Weichold said that with ABET accreditation, every student’s degree appreciates in value. "This is a clear signal to employers, prospective students and potential research partners that Texas A&M at Qatar is a leader in engineering education in Qatar and the region," he said. "We can be as confident as ever that students who excel in our classrooms today will be leaders in industry, government and academia tomorrow."