YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – AACSB International has extended the accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees in the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University.
AACSB International is the largest business education network and global standard-setting body for business education.
“AACSB accreditation is an important external validation of the quality of YSU’s programs, services, curriculum, faculty, staff and students in the WCBA,” YSU President Bill Johnson said. “This global recognition places YSU’s business programs in the top 6 percent worldwide. Consequently, our students are ensured a high-quality business education and professional development opportunities that enable them to maximize their competitiveness in the job market.”
Betty Jo Licata, WCBA interim dean, commended the college’s faculty for helping to ensure students’ career readiness, accessibility of coursework and support for the region’s economic development.
“Every day, our faculty and staff are driven to fulfill our mission of preparing students to be successful business professionals,” she said. “Our accreditation reflects the faculty’s commitment to excellence through engagement with our students, the profession and businesses.”
Licata said innovation, societal impact and engagement are guiding principles of the WCBA, driving the enhancement of academic programming, research and outreach services. Notable accomplishments include integrating professional certifications in coursework, community engagement and community-engaged courses, and using business analytic tools and various software applications throughout the curriculum.
“Our business faculty work continuously to advance our programs, support our students and move our university forward,” YSU Provost Jennifer Pintar said.
AACSB accredits 1,037 institutions in more than 65 countries and territories, and 195 institutions have AACSB accreditation for accounting programs.
Achieving AACSB accreditation includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor and a peer evaluation focused on continuous improvement. During the process, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards, which require excellence in strategic management, innovation, research and teaching and learning.
“The commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of each school’s dedication – not only to its students, alumni network and greater business community – but to society as a whole,” said Stephanie Bryant, executive vice president and global chief accreditation officer at AACSB.