School of Business Renews Special Accreditation

Kimberly Pichot, PhD, dean of the College of Professions, leading a class in the School of Business Administration at Andrews University. (Photo by Nicholas Gunn)

The Andrews University School of Business Administration (SBA) has again received accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), a status held for the past 15 years. This accreditation demonstrates the SBA’s commitment to provide high-quality business education for its students.

The IACBE is a prestigious accrediting body that specializes in business education and places a high emphasis on teaching quality and best practices in business schools. Andrews University began its accreditation journey 15 years ago, aligning its curriculum and pedagogical approach with the IACBE's stringent requirements.

Kimberly Pichot, PhD, dean of the College of Professions at Andrews University, describes the numerous advantages accreditation offers both the University and its students. First, it enhances the university's reputation and credibility, rendering its business programs more attractive to potential students and companies alike. This assurance of quality education that aligns with global standards is invaluable.

Second, graduates from accredited programs enjoy the privilege of transferring their credits to other universities, both nationally and internationally. This flexibility is especially beneficial for students seeking to further their education or pursue advanced degrees.

Third, it significantly boosts employability. Many top companies prefer to recruit candidates from accredited programs, as it guarantees a robust academic foundation and a dedication to top-tier educational quality.

The accreditation process is lengthy, involving an in-depth examination of the University's programs, faculty, curriculum and more. The IACBE examines a number of factors, including ethics, innovation, faculty qualifications, technological integration and curriculum relevance to the marketplace.

Pichot also emphasizes Andrews University's aim to "seek knowledge, affirm faith and change the world." The IACBE recognizes religious-based institutions such as Andrews University, acknowledging faith integration as a vital component of its business programs.

In addition to accreditation, Andrews University is actively working on expanding and enhancing its business programs for the 2024 academic school year. This includes redesigning the Master of Science in administration (MSA) to align with current industry demands, with new concentrations in nonprofit management and human resource management; and introducing new programs like a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in accounting analytics and a BBA in supply chain management. Additionally, the University launched a doctoral degree in business this past fall.

Building on this renewed accreditation, the Andrews University School of Business Administration continues to strive for increased excellence in its business and accounting programs.

For more information about the School of Business Administration and its accredited programs, please visit the SBA website.