My DS is a freshman on a Type 1 scholarship at an Ivy. He is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and is happy to do so, but would like to double major in Russian (another AFROTC desired major). He is being told by his unit that a BS in Mech E is not sufficient; he must get the ABET Certified degree, which makes it impossible to double major. Does anyone have experience with this?
If your son has a scholarship for a technical major, then yes, ABET accreditation is required for any engineering major. This requirement was listed in the Type 1 Scholarship instructions he received via the Wings portal. A specific course load is required for that accreditation, and typically takes 4 years @ 15-hour semesters. A double major would extend that course load into a 9th or 10th semester in nearly all circumstances.
Per AFI 36-2011, para. 3.5.3.3, the scholarship term will not be extended for "Creation of a 5-year scholarship, except in the unusual circumstances when an institution prescribes a 5-year baccalaureate degree requirement for a specific program."
If he did not specifically sign a contract extension at the outset of his freshman year, where it was stated he is being awarded a 5-year scholarship (some schools have this arrangement with HQ AFROTC), then he is on a 4-year scholarship and must be finished with his degree in 4-years. Some cadets have the opportunity to minor in a foreign language at institutions where 5-year engineering scholarships are the norm, and for some dual-enrolled HS graduates transferring in 30 credits this is also possible. I have not heard of any that actually double majored with ROTC, unless this was a standard practice (I know of one college where their program awards a major in math or physics along with engineering degrees).
I'd say his cadre is correct.
If he wishes to switch to Russian, I would suggest he look at the Project Go opportunities. Their ROTC scholarships are very comparable to the HSSP.
I think the ROTC requirement is a degree from a program that is ABET accredited- your son does not get the accreditation. ABET accreditation is bestowed on engineering programs that meet certain standards and are renewed every five years. FYI some engineering programs are not accredited (but very few from major schools). I cannot imagine an Ivy engineering program not being ABET accredited.
It boils down to professional licensure. To qualify for the PE with 4 years' experience in most states (and to sit for the FE), you must be in an ABET-accredited program. To practice professional engineering (i.e. to call yourself an engineer without getting fined by the state board), you must possess a valid license to practice in that state.
However, not all engineering disciplines require a license for the bulk of their career fields (electrical engineering and systems engineering come to mind). Similarly, most states have carve-outs for industrial/factory engineering and military engineering where a PE is not required to practice professionally.
Hence the reason a school would offer a non-ABET BSME. Many of their graduates will never pursue licensure, and therefore would not necessarily benefit from the added rigor.