McCombs Reaffirms Excellence With AACSB Reaccreditation

The school remains among a select number worldwide accredited in both business and accounting

The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business has maintained accreditation in both business and accounting from AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), following a rigorous peer-review process that evaluates the quality and impact of business education programs.

AACSB, the world’s longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business and accounting, extended McCombs’ accreditation for the next six years. AACSB announced the decision July 8 as part of its latest round of accreditation extensions.

“Maintaining accreditation in both business and accounting reflects the strength of our faculty, staff, students, and leadership team, and their shared commitment to excellence,” said Bradley R. Staats, dean of McCombs. “I’m grateful to everyone across our community who contributed to this process and to the work of ensuring our BBA, master’s, and Ph.D. programs prepare students to lead and make a meaningful impact in the world.”

AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven process centered on continuous improvement and educational quality. To maintain accreditation, schools undergo an in-depth external review every six years and must demonstrate excellence across standards related to strategic management and innovation, faculty and professional staff quality and qualifications, and student learning and engagement.

McCombs’ multiyear review process included a comprehensive self-assessment and peer evaluation. Faculty and staff members across the school contributed to gathering data, preparing the accreditation report, and hosting the review team during its campus visit.

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

AACSB currently accredits 1,085 institutions in 71 countries and territories. Just 195 institutions worldwide hold AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting.

UT has a long history with AACSB. It was among the first 16 business schools invited to become members of the association in 1916.

Story by Judie Kinonen