Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Two graduate programs at St. John’s University’s Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies have been awarded accreditation from ABET, a recognized accrediting body for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

The Master of Science degree programs in Cyber and Information Security and Data Science are among the first graduate-level programs in the country to receive this distinction from ABET. These programs underwent a thorough review process to ensure they meet rigorous academic standards.

“Accreditation from ABET affirms the academic excellence and relevance of our programs in Cyber and Information Security and in Data Science,” said Luca Iandoli, Ph.D., Dean and Distinguished Chair at the Collins College of Professional Studies. “To be among the first graduate programs in the nation to achieve this distinction is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that underscores our commitment to advancing knowledge, shaping practice, and preparing leaders in fields critical to our future.”

St. John’s undergraduate offerings in Computer Science, Cyber Security Systems, and Information Technology had previously received ABET accreditation as well.

ABET accreditation signals that graduates possess skills aligned with industry expectations. The 30-credit Master of Science in Data Science program was launched in 2013. Its curriculum includes analytics, data visualization, database management, machine learning, and statistics. Graduates can pursue roles such as artificial intelligence engineer or software engineer.

“We are proud that the Master of Science in Data Science program has earned ABET accreditation,” said Fazel Keshtkar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Program Director for Data Science at St. John’s University. “This highlights our commitment to offering students a program that meets the highest global standards. It is especially meaningful for our students, as it validates the quality of their education and gives them a strong advantage as they pursue careers in today’s data-driven industries.”

The Cyber and Information Security master’s program also requires 30 credits for graduation. It covers topics including cybersecurity law, digital infrastructures, malware analysis, among others.

“Having ABET accreditation helps to ensure that a program has met standards to prepare graduates for the job market, research, and further studies,” said Joan E. DeBello, Ed.D., Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at St. John’s University. “The division will continue to ensure the programs are up to standard and continuously improve.”