The first cohort of concurrent engineering students meet with Dr. Bachri while touring SAU’s engineering facilities.
Southern Arkansas University is proud to announce that the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering programs have been awarded accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. The newly accredited BSME degree carries retroactive accreditation effective October 1, 2023, ensuring that all graduates to date benefit from this achievement.
Mechanical Engineering is the most widely pursued engineering discipline worldwide, preparing graduates for careers in aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, defense, and beyond. With ABET accreditation secured, SAU’s BSME program stands as a nationally and internationally recognized credential that opens doors to professional licensure and advanced education.
Meanwhile, SAU’s broad-based BSE program, first accredited in 2018, has again been reaffirmed through reaccreditation. The program is designed to provide students with wide-ranging preparation across engineering disciplines, offering flexibility that matches the needs of a changing workforce. Both degrees feature an internship requirement and a year-long senior capstone project in which students bring a product to life by applying the full engineering design process, providing real-world experience from concept to creation.
“This milestone confirms what we have always known—that SAU Engineering is delivering a high-quality education that meets the highest standards worldwide,” said Dr. Abdel Bachri, professor of physics and dean of the College of Science and Engineering at SAU. “It affirms the value of our students’ degrees, the dedication of our faculty, and the strong partnerships with industry that make this program thrive.”
A member of SAU’s Baja club works hands-on with their project in the machine shop.
From its inception, SAU Engineering was envisioned as a program that would not only educate students but also fuel the regional economy. That vision is being realized: nearly 80% of SAU engineering graduates secure employment within 100 miles of campus, many at the Camden industrial park, home to leading aerospace and defense companies.
Strong industry partnerships have been key to this success. Albemarle, L3 Harris Technologies, and Lockheed Martin are among the top employers of SAU engineering graduates, providing internships, equipment, and career pathways. Albemarle has also supported SAU with endowed professorships that strengthen instruction and research capacity.
“This achievement reflects our strong commitment to continuously improving the quality of our engineering programs, the dedication of our faculty, and the hard work of our students who are eager to make a difference in the world,” said Dr. Mahbub Ahmed, professor of engineering and chair of the department of engineering and physics at SAU. “It paves the way for our graduates to step confidently into the workplace as professional engineers in the future. The unwavering support from the SAU administration and Industry Advisory Board played a vital role in reaching this milestone.”
SAU engineering student presents her research at the College of Science and Engineering’s annual symposium.
The ABET accreditation reflects the dedication of SAU’s faculty, staff, administration, Industry Advisory Board, and students, whose efforts have elevated the program to national recognition.
“This is a celebration for our entire community,” said Dr. Robin Sronce, SAU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “It validates the hard work of our students, the commitment of our partners, and the long-term vision of SAU Engineering to serve both Arkansas and the world.”
About ABET
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization recognized as the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET accreditation assures that a program meets the quality standards of the profession for which it prepares graduates. ABET accredits 4,773 programs at 930 institutions in 42 countries worldwide, as of October 2024. Learn more at abet.org.
About Southern Arkansas University
Founded in 1909, Southern Arkansas University is a public institution in Magnolia, Arkansas, known for its strong commitment to student success, affordability, and regional service. SAU’s College of Science and Engineering provides high-impact learning experiences and industry partnerships that prepare graduates for careers in today’s most in-demand fields. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies.
