University News

University of New 51¶ºÄÌ Earns Extension of its Prestigious College of Business Accreditation

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International has renewed its accreditation of the University’s College of Business, a distinction that places it among the top five percent of business schools worldwide.

February 13, 2020

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Taking upper-level courses at the University's campus in Orange, which is located in the former worldwide headquarters of a Fortune 1000 company, enables College of Business students to simulate giving a presentation in a corporate boardroom.

The University of New 51¶ºÄÌ announced that its prestigious accreditation from the – the longest-serving global accrediting organization for business schools – has been extended through the 2024-25 academic year.

The renewal of the accreditation that the University originally earned from AACSB in 2015 reaffirms that the College of Business continues to fulfill a rigorous set of standards that places it among the top five percent of business schools in the world.

"Our College of Business has long provided a transformational learning experience that prepares graduates to excel as socially conscious senior executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs," said President Steven H. Kaplan. "The College has proven that it is steadfastly committed to further enhancing and enriching students’ academic experiences of our students by incorporating new programs that instill the skills needed for the careers of the future. Earning reaccreditation from AACSB is an influential endorsement of the College’s pioneering efforts and the far-reaching impact they are having – and will continue to have – on our students."

"We are proud and honored to earn this designation, which is a testament to the achievements of our students and the efforts of our faculty to create innovative learning opportunities for our students."Brian Kench, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business

Since originally earning AACSB accreditation, the College of Business has added new bachelor’s degrees in business analytics, international business, and esports and gaming; introduced a first-of-its-kind program in esports management; and become one of the first in the country to create STEM-designated MBA concentrations and other STEM-designated graduate business programs.

The College also launched a Nonprofit Institute and an Entrepreneurship and Innovation program, and introduced innovative hands-on learning experiences such as the Nicholson Business Plan Competition and Expo, Charger Startup Weekend, and the Alvine New Venture Pitch Competition.

In addition, the College of Business relocated all of its upper-level courses for juniors and seniors to the University’s campus in nearby Orange, which is located in the former worldwide headquarters of a Fortune 1000 company.

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Brian Kench, dean of the College of Business, said research shows that graduates from AACSB-accredited business schools generally receive greater attention from prospective employers and higher salaries. Alumni from the University’s College of Business have gone on to executive roles with Fortune 500 companies, including , , and , among others.

"Being recognized by AACSB represents the highest honor a business school can receive," said Kench. "We are proud and honored to earn this designation, which is a testament to the achievements of our students and the efforts of our faculty to create innovative learning opportunities for our students. We take great pride in being at the forefront of instilling the entrepreneurial habits of exploration, risk-taking, and innovation that our students – regardless of the industries they work in – will need to solve the complex problems they are sure to face throughout their careers."

Less than 900 institutions – across 56 countries and territories – have earned AACSB accreditation.

"Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning," said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. "The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education."