College of Business sustains accreditation

By Sue McMurray, College of Business

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University’s business and accounting program accreditation has been extended for five years for all degree levels by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This is the outcome of AACSB’s positive and constructive review of the WSU College of Business earlier this spring.

WSU business programs were first accredited in 1960; accounting accreditation followed in 1984. The college depends on student feedback and engagement with industry leaders to ensure programs are of the highest quality. The college has provided graduate business education for over 55 years and online degree programs for over 20 years.

“Accreditation adds another level of distinction and accountability to the programs we offer, all of which support WSU’s land grant mission and help our graduates stay competitive globally,” said Eric R. Spangenberg, college dean.

Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. AACSB accreditation has been earned by less than five percent of the world’s business programs.

There are 694 business schools in 45 countries and territories that maintain AACSB accreditation. Similarly, 181 institutions maintain AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs.

“It takes a great deal of commitment and determination to earn and maintain AACSB accreditation,” said Robert D. Reid, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “Business schools must not only meet specific standards of excellence, but their deans, faculty and professional staff must make a commitment to continuous improvement.”

Recently ranked as one of the top 10 online business graduate programs in U.S. News and World Report, the college continues to be a leader in developing new technologies and approaches to serve the mobile lifestyle of today’s student.