College’s business and accountancy programs will maintain accreditation for next five years.
Northern Illinois University is pleased to announce both its business and accountancy programs have received AACSB International (AACSB) accreditation for another five years. For the college, the end of this new accreditation cycle will mark 60 straight years that the college has been accredited, first achieving accreditation in 1969. The accountancy program first earned its separate, rigorous AACSB accreditation in 1983.
Fewer than 200 business schools worldwide have earned accreditation in both these areas.
For more than 100 years, AACSB accreditation has been considered the gold standard of business education. Currently more than 1,000 institutions in 60 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation in business and 194 institutions hold supplemental AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs.
AACSB accreditation from AACSB International ensures continuous progress and provides focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate and drive impact.
“I am so proud to share the news of the continuation of the NIU College of Business and accountancy program AACSB accreditation,” Denise Schoenbachler, interim dean of the College of Business said. “On a day-to-day basis, I know the strategy and care that go into continually supporting and launching the careers of our business students. I see strong evidence of this in the diligent work of our faculty and staff, as well as the many successes of our alumni. The AACSB’s decision to extend our accreditation further validates and endorses the work our teams have been doing.
“When a student walks into NIU’s business school, they know they will receive a world-class education, learn skills to help build their dreams and become part of a community of people who care about their success,” Schoenbachler said.
Throughout the AACSB accreditation process, NIU’s College of Business and accountancy program undergo meticulous review processes conducted by leaders of business schools at peer institutions. This evaluation ensures the institution has the strategic vision, resources, curriculum and expertise needed to provide students with a cutting-edge, world-class business education.
“The continued AACSB accreditation of NIU’s College of Business and its accountancy program further proves our commitment to providing a first-rate educational experience for our students,” said NIU Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Laurie Elish-Piper. “We are always committed to reaching the highest standards of excellence, and achieving this endorsement is a testament to the tireless efforts of our faculty and staff who consistently work toward what is in the best interest of our students. For us, this is very personal and fulfilling work to guide our Huskies to success.”
The AACSB recognizes that achieving their accreditation is a “mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement.” For the years leading up to an accreditation review, the business program must focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards for excellence.
About AACSB
Established in 1916, AACSB is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation and amplifies impact in business education.
