The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) online degree—offered through the UW Flexible Option—is now accredited by AACSB International. So, what does this mean and why should prospective students care?
AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) is the premier accrediting body for college-level business programs around the world. Less than 5 percent of the business schools worldwide are AACSB accredited, making the UW-Parkside online BSBA program part of an exclusive group.
“When you see an institution display the AACSB accreditation seal, you can be confident that the school is committed to continually improving the quality of the education it offers—preparing you to succeed in your career,” the AACSB website states.
To be accredited, a business school must adhere to AACSB standards, regarding curriculum structure and materials, faculty qualifications, and the mission of continuous improvement in student learning, which AACSB coins as “assurance of learning.”
There are strict criteria for faculty involvement and faculty research related to the business school’s program offerings. AACSB requires faculty to stay up to date by contributing research studies to high-quality outlets in alignment with the mission of their business school. Additionally, faculty members must fall into one of four categories: scholarly academics, scholarly practitioners, practicing academics, and instructional practitioners—creating a well-rounded group of educators.
This faculty breakdown enhances business school quality, because educators are tasked to continuously stay abreast of industry needs and development, growing alongside their students. As a result, an AACSB accredited business school’s reputation is strengthened through the publications and other community work of the faculty body.
By enforcing these quality standards, AACSB ensures top-level business schools are approaching quality education in a strategic way with a long-term vision in mind. Not to mention, obtaining a degree from an AACSB accredited business school helps graduates secure jobs.
“Employers talk about hiring strong graduates from high-quality programs,” said Suresh Chalasani, a professor in the UW-Parkside business department. “In my experience, graduates are given preferential treatment if they come from an AACSB accredited program, because it is seen as a high standard of quality.”
Earn an AACSB accredited degree and stand out to future employers by applying to the online
BS in Business Administration program from UW-Parkside offered through the UW Flexible Option.
Learn about the BSBA curriculum and admission requirements by connecting with an enrollment adviser today. Call 1-608-262-2011 (toll free: 1-877-895-3276) or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.