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UNCP Computer Science Program earns ABET accreditation

By Staff Report, posted Oct 14, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Photo by UNCP

UNC Pembroke’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program has earned initial accreditation from ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission, providing independent recognition of the quality and rigor of the program as it prepares students for careers and advanced study in computing.

The accreditation, which extends through Sept. 30, 2032, comes as UNCP continues to expand its computing programs amid rapid growth in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and other emerging technologies.

ABET accreditation is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process that evaluates academic programs against established standards for quality. The review examines curriculum, student outcomes, faculty qualifications, assessment practices, student support and continuous improvement.

“Earning initial ABET accreditation is a significant milestone for our Computer Science program because it provides external recognition of the quality of our program and validates our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Dr. Haitao Zhao, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, in a press release. “For our department, this achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff and gives our students greater confidence in the quality of their education and preparation for careers and graduate study.”

For prospective students, the accreditation provides independent assurance that UNCP’s program meets standards established for computing education and is preparing graduates to enter technical fields in the global workforce.

Earning the accreditation required faculty and staff to conduct a comprehensive review of the program, including its curriculum, educational objectives, student learning outcomes and assessment processes. The review included a detailed self-study, documentation and an on-site evaluation.

The accreditation arrives as UNCP looks toward the next phase of growth in computing. The department plans to continue strengthening its computer science curriculum while expanding hands-on learning and research opportunities for students. It also plans to pursue ABET accreditation for its information technology and cybersecurity programs.

Future plans include developing new opportunities in artificial intelligence and graduate education, including an AI track and a Master of Science in Computer Science with a focus on AI and cybersecurity.

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