Norwich University’s engineering programs earn six-year accreditation

NORTHFIELD, Vt. — Norwich University has earned its six-year accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for three bachelor of science programs in the David Crawford School of Engineering: civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering and mechanical engineering.

The approval follows a yearlong self-study and outside review process, which was completed in 2021.

Accreditation relates to licensing and a graduate’s ability to sit for the engineering licensing exam and assesses programs, facilities and student outcomes. Since the last accreditation, the David Crawford School of Engineering has invested in three new facilities: Wallace Materials Testing Facility, Carrara Family Fluids Lab and ProtoCAM Lab, and the Collaboratory. With these new spaces, engineering students can use state-of-the-art equipment as part of their experiential learning curriculum.

Since the last accreditation, the David Crawford School of Engineering has invested in three new facilities: Wallace Materials Testing Facility, Carrara Family Fluids Lab and ProtoCAM Lab.

Founded in 1819 by Capt. Alden Partridge, a civil engineer, Norwich University was the first private school in the United States to teach engineering as its own separate discipline. Mechanical Engineering is consistently one of Norwich University’s top five most popular majors. Norwich’s engineering program recently ranked 75th among 239 national programs in U.S. News & World Report’s Best National University’s rankings for 2022. Norwich had ranked 91st of 220 programs in 2021.

“Accreditation is a major accomplishment and demonstrates that Norwich engineering programs are world-class,” David Crawford School of Engineering Director Dr. Karen Supan said. “This is about continuous improvement; not only do the students improve during the program but also how did we invest in our facilities. Students recognize what Norwich is offering for an engineering education and continue to enroll in these vital programs.”

Assessment continues throughout the six years in seven key areas relating to student outcomes. At the time of graduation, students in these programs are expected to have developed and demonstrated an ability to:

• Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
• Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors.
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

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About Norwich University
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States. Norwich is one of our nation's six senior military colleges and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu