Business students to benefit from international accreditation

The University of Adelaide Business School has been awarded accreditation from one of the world's most respected accrediting bodies, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, based in the United States.

The Head of the Business School, Associate Professor Barry Burgan, said students and alumni would benefit greatly from AACSB accreditation. He said they can now be assured that their degree is of a recognised international standard.

"A key consideration for students is how marketable their qualifications will be, not just when they graduate but long into their future; AACSB accreditation guarantees international marketability," Associate Professor Burgan said.

"While the University of Adelaide Business School has an excellent reputation locally and internationally for its quality students, AACSB accreditation adds a new layer of prestige to the qualifications of our graduates, particularly for those looking for work offshore."

Founded in 1916, AACSB is a global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is known worldwide as the longest standing, most internationally recognised form of specialised accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn.

AACSB accreditation has been awarded to less than 5% of the world's business schools and is the hallmark of excellence in business education.

AACSB's accreditation standards demand a high-quality teaching environment, a commitment to continuous improvement, and programs that are responsive to the needs of businesses.

John J. Fernandes, President and Chief Executive Officer of AACSB International, said: "AACSB congratulates the University of Adelaide and Associate Professor Barry Burgan on earning accreditation, and we welcome them into the family of AACSB accredited business schools. AACSB accreditation represents the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards business degrees."

"This accreditation has enabled the University of Adelaide Business School to join the ranks of the world's leading business schools," said Associate Professor Burgan.

All universities accredited by the AACSB participate in a peer review process every five years to maintain their accreditation. This involves significant internal review, evaluation and change.

"Being accredited by the AACSB means that we have committed to the most rigorous accreditation possible by international standards. It has taken more than five years of hard work, self-evaluation and improvement, and this has led to great benefits for all of the business programs offered at our University," Associate Professor Burgan said.

"The result is that our students will continue to receive the best possible educational experience; one that is committed to constant improvement, evaluation and relevance to industry.

"A perfect example of that is our Adelaide MBA (Master of Business Administration) program. We have used the accreditation process to ensure that the Adelaide MBA is one of the best in Australia. It is a high-quality, high-impact MBA, one that is internationally recognised, relevant to industry and has a global focus. Our entry standards to the MBA program also ensure that our students are of the highest quality."

The University of Adelaide Business School currently has more than 4000 students from over 100 countries. It offers programs in business, international business, finance, corporate finance, accounting, marketing and management.

Programs are taught in Adelaide at the North Terrace Campus of the University, with the Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Commerce and Adelaide MBA also taught in Singapore at the Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre.

For more information about studying at the University of Adelaide Business School, go to: business.adelaide.edu.au

Story by David Ellis