Students in Cal State San Bernardino’s computer science and computer engineering programs are gaining career preparation backed by renewed ABET accreditation, with industry partnerships and hands-on learning connecting their coursework to professional practice.

The renewal, approved in August, extends accreditation through 2032 for both bachelor of science programs in CSUSB’s School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCE). It follows an extensive peer review of curricula, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, facilities, institutional support and continuous improvement practices.

“ABET accreditation provides students, employers and the broader community with confidence that CSUSB’s Computer Science and Engineering programs meet rigorous quality standards and prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to succeed in a global workforce,” said Khalil Dajani, the school’s director, chair and professor.

The computer science program, accredited since 1988, received its renewal from ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission. The computer engineering program, accredited since 2011, received its renewal from ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission.

The review included comprehensive documentation and an on-campus evaluation. Dajani said the successful outcome reflected years of collaboration among faculty, staff and university leadership.

That work extends to the school’s Industry Advisory Board, which provides perspectives on curricula, student learning, workforce preparation and emerging industry needs. Representatives participate in program assessment and curriculum review, offering feedback on students’ and graduates’ professional preparation.

Board partners include General Atomics of San Diego, Magnetic Fusion and Energy Group, and the U.S. Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base.

At General Atomics’ Magnet Technologies Center in San Diego on Aug. 28, 2025, from left: Gerard Au, CSUSB deputy chief information officer and chief information security officer for Information Technology Services; Frank Wuerthwein, professor, UC San Diego; Khalil Dajani, chair/director, CSUSB School of Computer Science and Engineering; and Raffi Nazikian, senior director, General Atomics, Magnetic Fusion Energy.
At General Atomics’ Magnet Technologies Center in San Diego on Aug. 28, 2025, from left: Gerard Au, CSUSB deputy chief information officer and chief information security officer for Information Technology Services; Frank Wuerthwein, professor, UC San Diego; Khalil Dajani, chair/director, CSUSB School of Computer Science and Engineering; and Raffi Nazikian, senior director, General Atomics, Magnetic Fusion Energy.

Relationships with Southern California employers also provide internships, scholarships, mentorship opportunities and industry-sponsored senior design projects. Those experiences help students apply classroom learning and prepare for careers.

CSUSB President Terri Gómez praised the school for connecting computing theory with socially responsible applications, research and industry engagement. She highlighted internships and campus visits by business leaders as opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build careers.

“This means students can obtain real world and hands-on experience, which are not only student success mechanisms, they are career builders,” Gómez said. “Clearly, ABET has acknowledged SCE does a superb job in providing students with the theoretical, academic and practical knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this vital field for our current – and future – world.”

The school has experienced sustained growth in enrollment, graduation rates and the number of undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded while continuing to strengthen academic quality and align programs with workforce needs.

Sastry G. Pantula, dean of CSUSB’s College of Natural Sciences, said ongoing assessment and investments in employees contribute to that progress.

“Assessment is an ongoing process, and using it for continuous improvement is important,” Pantula said. “Investments in our faculty and staff recruitment and professional development are paying off, and these benefit our students’ success beyond graduation.”

Dajani credited faculty members Kerstin Voigt, Fadi Muheidat, Yunfei Hou, Qingquan Sun, George Georgiou, Haiyan Qiao, Jennifer Jin, Bilal Khan, Ronald Salloum, Suyang Wang, Yan Zhang, Taline Georgiou, Alireza Abdoli and Nazanin Ghasemianmoghaddam, among others, for contributions to data collection, assessment, reporting and continuous improvement.

Rafik Mohamed, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the renewal affirmed the curriculum’s quality and faculty strengths.

“These processes are laborious, and successfully navigating accreditation visits requires a great deal of preparation and collaboration among program faculty, staff and leadership,” Mohamed said.

Kelly Campbell, vice provost for academic affairs, also praised the school’s preparation.

“The ABET visiting team members were incredibly impressed with the programs,” Campbell said.

Dajani said the renewal reflects a shared commitment extending across the university and its industry partners.

“ABET reaccreditation further validates CSE’s commitment to academic excellence and its effectiveness in preparing engineering professionals and computer scientists,” he said. “It reflects the collective work of our faculty, staff, students, university leadership and industry partners — and our shared commitment to continuous improvement.”