Marion, Ind. (Sept. 10, 2026) – Indiana Wesleyan University’s (IWU) Bachelor of Science in Engineering has received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, marking a major milestone for a program launched only five years ago. The accreditation reflects the sustained work of faculty, staff, students, and university leaders who helped build the program from its beginning.
“I am just so proud of the dedication of our entire IWU community, which has thrown its unwavering support behind this program’s success,” said David Che, Ph.D., engineering program director and professor of mechanical engineering.
IWU announced plans to launch a four-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering program in 2021, enrolling seven students in its first cohort. Five of those students became the program’s first graduating class in spring 2025. Today, IWU Engineering serves 95 students, including students pursuing engineering as a minor. The faculty has also grown from Che, the program’s first engineering faculty member, to five full-time faculty members, all of whom hold terminal degrees in their fields.
“Indiana Wesleyan University has long been an industry leader in Christian higher education when it comes to blending a Christ-centered liberal arts curriculum with professional education, particularly in the sciences,” said Chief Academic Officer David Davies, Ph.D. “With this rich legacy as a foundation, I am not surprised at all by the tremendous success of our Engineering programs. This national recognition from ABET is a welcome affirmation of the high caliber of our faculty and curriculum, and I’m excited to see how God will continue to grow this program and work in the lives of these students.”
ABET accreditation is a widely recognized indicator of program quality and provides important benefits for engineering graduates. An ABET-accredited degree can support pathways to professional licensure, including educational requirements connected with the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineer (PE) process. Accreditation is also valued by many employers, government agencies, and multinational organizations, and ABET’s international recognition can help graduates as they pursue professional opportunities across borders.
“Receiving ABET accreditation is a tremendous milestone and the culmination of a decade of strategic investment and dedicated work by many IWU faculty and leaders,” said Matthew Kreitzer, Ph.D., professor and dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. “Under the visionary leadership of Dr. David Che, our Engineering program has developed with remarkable momentum and purpose, establishing a foundation of academic excellence, Christian formation, and meaningful mentorship.”
With accreditation secured, the program is looking toward continued growth. IWU is considering additional program offerings in areas like biomedical engineering as well as industrial and manufacturing engineering, with long-term aspirations including architectural and environmental engineering. Program leaders hope to grow total engineering enrollment to 250 students within the next five to eight years.
“Our faculty are not only preparing students to become exceptional engineers,” said Kreitzer, “but are investing in students personally, mentoring and equipping them to integrate their faith, their gifts, and their engineering vocation in service to others.”
This milestone reflects IWU’s commitment to developing engineers who combine technical proficiency with their Christian character, thoughtful leadership, and a desire to serve others through their profession and to make a lasting Kingdom impact on the world.
Prepare for a career in engineering through an ABET-accredited program that combines technical excellence, hands-on learning, and a Christ-centered education.
