KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 31, 2020

KSU business school among top 5 percent to earn AACSB stamp of approval

Kennesaw State University’s Michael J. Coles College of Business – the third-largest business school in Georgia – has earned accreditation from the leading global accrediting body for business schools.

For 25 years, the Coles College has maintained accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). AACSB accreditation is the most sought-after stamp of approval for business schools worldwide, and one that less than 5 percent of schools have achieved.

“AACSB International provides the gold standard for business school accreditations,” said Robin Cheramie, interim dean of Coles College. “It means quality for our students, quality for our faculty, and a college-wide emphasis on continuous improvement. Earning this prestigious accreditation reaffirms our faculty and staff’s unwavering support for our students and programs.”

The Coles College of Business has recently been recognized for excellence by several organizations. U.S. News and World Report ranked Coles College's WebMBA program among the best online MBAs in the country, while CEO Magazine ranked the Executive MBA program first in Georgia and seventh in the world.

To maintain AACSB accreditation, the Coles College of Business must undergo a rigorous review by academic leaders of peer business schools every five years. As part of the review, colleges must demonstrate their commitment to 21 rigorous standards relating to faculty qualification, strategic management of resources, interactions of faculty and students, commitment to continuous improvement and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.

“AACSB congratulates Kennesaw State University and the Coles College of Business on extending its accreditation,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “The intense peer-review process confirms a school’s continued focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. Kennesaw State’s and the Coles College’s dedication to delivering high-quality business education will create the next generation of great leaders.”

The Coles College maintains a separate AACSB accreditation for its accounting program, which was also renewed this year. Only 182 schools – or 2 percent of all AACSB-accredited business schools – are dual certified in business and accounting.

“Earning AACSB accounting accreditation demonstrates that our school has met the highest standards for curriculum development in both undergraduate and graduate programs,” said Steve Smalt, director of the Coles College School of Accountancy. “We are proud of the exceptional impact our faculty and staff have exhibited in teaching, research and service over the past five years.”

AACSB International, founded in 1916, is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in business and accounting.

The Michael J. Coles College of Business is the third-largest university business school in Georgia, offering 10 undergraduate degree programs and six graduate programs to its more than 7,000 students. Coles College is among the top 2 percent of business schools to earn accreditation in both business and accounting by AACSB International, the world’s most prestigious accrediting body for business schools. As one of 13 colleges at Kennesaw State University – Georgia’s third-largest university – the Michael J. Coles College of Business leverages its dedicated faculty and innovative approach to teaching to prepare its students to become the leaders of tomorrow’s global business world. 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.