<p>My son was accepted into both UCI and UCSD for bioengineering / biomedical engineering. We are now trying to decide between the 2. He was accepted into UCSD's bioengineering: bioinformatics program. This is the only one of the 3 programs at UCSD that is not accredited by ABET. UCI's biomedical engineering program is accredited by ABET. </p>
<p>The question is, will the accreditation be a significant factor for potential employers after graduation? Seeing that UCSD is "better known" for their bioengineering program in general, would the lack of accreditation in the bioinformatics program be a negative factor when it comes time to look for a job - as opposed to UCI's accreditation?</p>
<p>The one factor that keeps drawing us to UCSD is USN&WR's ranking of UCSD as #5 in the nation for biomedical engineering and no ranking for UCI.</p>
<p>Thoughts?</p>
<p>Stevey008,
My son has been admitted to the same program. I would not worry about the accreditation issues. I have hired people at companies in EE/CS area and I was never ever asked to verify accreditation of degree, instead there is more emphasis on the reputation of the institute, gpa, courses/projects completed. Bioinformatics is a new area with lots of promise. I am sure your son has other considerations for choosing a school, but don’t let accreditation be one of them. I thought I should share my perspective. Best of luck to your son</p>
<p>Thanks xmp2012. I was thinking along those lines as well. As long as he feels more comfortable in the school’s environment and their curriculum, I think the employment issues will work themselves out if the grades are there.</p>
<p>uscd hands down, because it is very known as a top bioengineering school</p>
<p>Stevey008, I am looking for guidance for the same questions as yours.</p>
<p>I was checking the abet.org site ( <a href=“http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramsDetails.aspx?OrganizationID=5766”>http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramsDetails.aspx?OrganizationID=5766</a>)
Does it not suggest Bioengineering from UCSD is accredited. What am I missing?</p>
<p>All, Wouldn’t accredition be mandatory for graduation programs? Google search on job opportunities after Bioengineering/BME ( undergrad program) is not encouraging which worries me too.</p>
<p>Sorry for not able to answer to your query.</p>