Media contact: Savannah Koplon
Business and supplemental accounting programs in the Collat School of Business were reaccredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, putting UAB in the 1 percent of schools internationally to have both accreditations.The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International has again approved the maintenance of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business supplemental accounting and business accreditations. AACSB accreditation standards challenge postsecondary educators to pursue excellence and continuous improvement for student success throughout their programs, and only 1 percent of business schools worldwide are accredited in both areas.
All accredited schools must go through a rigorous self-evaluation and peer review process every five years to maintain their accreditation. Collat’s successful review occurred in November 2021, with its prior review occurring in November 2016.
“We are proud that AACSB — the gold standard of business accreditation — has again recognized our commitment to continually evaluating and improving our programs,” said Eric Jack, Ph.D., dean of the Collat School of Business. “The scrutiny that our business and accounting programs undergo during the accreditation process ensures that our business students receive the highest-quality education at Collat. I must thank the members of our leadership team, especially Dr. Stephanie Yates, who led our Accounting accreditation review.”
Collat’s business accreditation was cited for best practices in student success, enrollment growth, strategic planning, innovative programs, fundraising, faculty recruitment and engagement, while its supplemental accounting accreditation was recognized for best practices in community service along with excellence in online learning that enhance student engagement and success.
Achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal review, evaluation and adjustment and can take several years to complete. During these years, the school develops and implements a plan to meet the AACSB accreditation standards, which require a high-quality teaching environment, a commitment to continuous improvement and curricula responsive to the needs of businesses.
Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the preeminent accreditation for business education. AACSB provides internationally recognized, specialized accreditation for business and accounting programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.