Accredited for the first time were biomedical engineering, computer science, optical engineering and software engineering. Noteworthy is that Rose-Hulman’s bachelor’s biomedical engineering program becomes the first in Indiana to earn certification by ABET’s engineering commission. Meanwhile, the optical engineering program becomes the first in the Midwest and only program west of the Ohio Valley to earn bachelor's degree-level accreditation approval.  Rose-Hulman also becomes only the third institution in the nation to offers an ABET accredited bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and optical engineering, but does not offer the doctorate degree.

Reaccredited were academic programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

"The accreditation process helps us to continually improve and assure quality programs for our students," stated Rose-Hulman President Gerald Jakubowski. "This accreditation is strong evidence the college continues to be a leader in producing innovative graduates and academic programs that focus on meeting the needs of society."

As part of the accreditation process, college departments prepared self-studies during the 2005-2006 academic year. Program evaluators visited the departments last year. That led to correspondence and meetings between the college and ABET and the recent accreditation decision from the organization's Engineering Accreditation Commission and Computing Accreditation Commission.

ABET considers several factors in accreditation decisions, including students, faculty, facilities and the professional components of a program. The organization says the accreditation process "is assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For example, an accredited engineering program must meet the quality standards set by the engineering profession.