Missouri State University’s College of Business and School of Accountancy continue

to meet standards of excellence. The result of that is an accreditation extension by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

According to Dr. David Meinert, College of Business interim dean, the accreditation extension in business and accounting affirms the college’s commitment to continuous improvement.

“Maintaining AACSB accreditation is not easy. It attests to the excellence of our students, faculty and staff; innovation of our curriculum; and placement and success of our business graduates,” Meinert said.

Grooming future business leaders

Missouri State’s College of Business is one of the largest business programs in the Midwest. The college’s four departments within the business unit that qualify for AACSB accreditation are: finance and general business, management and information technology, marketing and the School of Accountancy.

Another two departments outside the business unit hold different accreditation. They are merchandising and fashion design and technology and construction management.

The college prepares more than 5,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels for many business and related careers. The School of Accountancy offers a bachelor’s degree program with courses in accounting principles and business ethics. It also has a Master’s of Accountancy program and graduate certificates in forensic accounting and tax accounting.

The AACSB’s peer review team noted several strengths:

• Focus on career preparation and experiential learning for students
• Dedication, innovation and engagement of faculty
• Investment in newly renovated and expanded facilities

A prestigious accreditation

Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education. Fewer than 5 percent of business schools worldwide have earned it.

Today, there are 810 business schools in 53 countries and territories with AACSB Accreditation. Also, 186 institutions hold additional specialized AACSB Accreditation for their accounting programs.

Stephanie Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB, said every AACSB-accredited school has shown a focus on excellence in all areas. They include teaching, research, curricula development and student learning.

“The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education,” she added.

For more information about the accreditation, visit the accreditation section on AACSB’s website.