AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. The SPU School of Business, Government, and Economics was the first member of the over 100-member Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to achieve this level of distinction.
Initial AACSB accreditation was granted in 2000 and was reaffirmed in 2010, 2015, and again most recently in 2020. This accreditation applies to all Accounting, Business Administration, and Information Systems Management programs at SPU.
What Is AACSB?
AACSB International is a global, nonprofit membership organization of educational institutions, businesses, and other groups devoted to the advancement of management education. It has members in more than 70 countries. Members include educational institutions offering business programs, as well as nonprofit and other organizations seeking to connect with, or support, business education worldwide.
Founded in 1916, the organization assists member organizations with the ongoing improvement of their business programs and schools. Through research and initiatives, AACSB International helps identify challenges and trends facing business education today. It also educates students, their families, and others about accreditation and how to choose a quality business degree program. AACSB International does not accredit two-year or vocational business education programs.
Why is AACSB accreditation important to a business school?
AACSB accreditation ensures a school is providing its students with a challenging, relevant education that prepares them for the business world. In order to earn and sustain business accreditation, an institution must align with a set of 15 business accreditation standards that focus on mission and strategic management; support for students, faculty, and staff; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement of students and faculty. The accreditation process is a rigorous process that ensures business schools are delivering the best in business education. When schools display the AACSB accreditation seal, it sends a signal to the world that graduates and alumni from their institution are prepared to lead in today’s competitive, global business environment.
Why does AACSB accreditation matter to students?
AACSB accreditation gives students a competitive edge – they get a rigorous, relevant education that prepares them for successful careers. And it ensures them more opportunities; many major companies report that they recruit exclusively at AACSB-accredited institutions for interns and employees.
AACSB-accredited schools:
- are recognized worldwide by top employers and other universities
- have employers that only hire their graduates
- have more access to recruiters
- have graduates that receive higher, more competitive salaries
- have students that are more international and are likely to earn higher levels of education
- have students with high-graduating GPAs
- are challenging and teach the best skills that give graduates a distinct advantage