DigiPen Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation degree program, offered at the college’s Redmond campus, has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.
First offered in 1998, the BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation (better known among DigiPen students as the RTIS degree program) was created to prepare students for the complex challenges of creating real-time 3D graphics for games and simulations. Today, close to two decades later, DigiPen’s original degree program continues to provide a solid educational pathway for students looking to enter the game and computer technology industries.
“Our latest ABET accreditation is recognition that our programs meet the high standards necessary to produce graduates who are ready to enter critical technical fields,” said Erik Mohrmann, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty. “These graduates then lead the way in industry innovation and developing emerging technologies.”
DigiPen’s RTIS degree program combines a strong academic foundation in math, physics, and computer science with advanced project coursework. Each year, student teams learn the ins and outs of the professional software development process by creating their own interactive simulations, usually a video game, or other interactive applications.
“Real-time interactive simulations include video games, but they span a much wider gamut, including medical, industrial and scientific applications,” said Pushpak Karnick, Ph.D., Computer Science department chair. “Being an active team-member helps our students not only master the low-level details of simulation development, but also allows them to think about the global implications of their design choices. That opens up a virtually limitless array of possibilities where they can apply the knowledge acquired in this program.”
ABET’s voluntary peer-review process adds critical value to academic programs in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, where quality, precision, and safety are of the utmost importance.
Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia, and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines.
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. It currently accredits almost 3,709 programs at more than 750 colleges and universities in 30 countries. More information about ABET, its member societies, and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs can be found at: www.abet.org.
This is the second degree program offered at DigiPen’s Redmond, Washington, campus to attain ABET accreditation. The BS in Computer Engineering program is also ABET accredited.