Good question

Actually the question is not appropriate.

ABET is a certification for Engineering Programs and not for Architecture.

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability (d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility (g) an ability to communicate effectively (h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context (i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning (j) a knowledge of contemporary issues (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Architectural studios are active units of teaching design in many ABET accredited architectural programs. A case in point is architectural engineering program at the department where I currently teach in Sharjah.

We recently got ABET accreditation. The directives for changes for accreditation are sometimes superimposed on existing architectural design programs; often in the direction of integrating more construction and structural components. In USA curriculum changes have been evolving around architectural programs for a while - from conventional format to more hybrid format. There are currently 17 ABET accredited Architectural Engineering programs in the United States ( for example Oklahoma State, Cal Poly, Kansas State University). I asked this question to initiate a fruitful discussion centred around shifts in methods and content in the architectural studios as witnessed by design instructors and students in United States.

Dear Mamun,

this is the first time I know about architectural engineering programs going for ABET, so this is a very interesting exchange for me. Thank you for that. Our program in Architectura Engineering, Dar Al Uloom University Riyadh is going for NAAB accreditation, which is centered on the design studios as final student output where the theoretical competences are demonstrated.

May I ask how many design studios are you offering within the study plan?

We have an ABET accredited program. Interestingly we have retained our design studio courses.

However, I am interested in finding out how other ABET - AE programs have evolved, around the world. Check the AE website for our program.

Dear Mamun

We started on this accreditation, and These links might be Useful for your question.

Research Improving the quality of architectural learning outcomes in ...

Research ‫Culture Policy for Architectural Design Studio within the c...

Thanks Aws Jafar.

Let me know how you are progressing with ABET accreditation.

Welcome Mamun Rashid,

ABET accreditation forced the Architectural department to add more scientific classes, for example (mathematics and physics) for the first and second stage. Which are not needed in studio lectures according to our previous syllabus of (RIBA). I think that ABET suits all the scientific departments, but not Architectural departments beacause the requirement of studio lecture.

By the way, We are working according to ABET for the second year till now.

Dear Mamoun,

As Anna said, ABET accreditation is for engineering programs not architecture ones. Other bodies like NAAB, UIA, and RIBA are appropriate for accrediting architectural programs. In some countires, architectural engineering programs are classified as a subdivision under engineering, and many of them less focus on design courses and design studios unlike architecture programs, while they focus to teach more technical and engineering subjects related to architecture. In opposite, in other countries, architectural engineering programs are the same like architecture programs and focus on architectural design, and they deal with social aspects and technical aspects of architetcure. According to the focus of a program, institutions seek the appropriate accreditation body. So, ABET for engineering-oriented architectural programs and NAAB, UIA, and RIBA for architecture programs. Best wishes.

I am tagging a question which may lead to interesting discussions. --

What are the main differences between NAAB: National Architectural Accreditation Board & ABET Accreditation Board For Engineering and Technology?

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_main_differences_between_NAAB_National_Architectural_Accreditation_Board_ABET_Accreditation_Board_For_Engineering_and_Technology?isAnswerFieldFocused=true