Essex Business School earns AACSB international accreditation

AACSB International (AACSB) has announced Essex Business School at the University of Essex has earned business accreditation.

Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide.

“AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB.

“We congratulate the University of Essex and Dean of Essex Business School Professor Claudia Girardone on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team—including the administration, faculty, staff, and students—for their roles in earning this respected honour.”

Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally. As a result, less than 6 per cent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation. Through today’s ratification, a total of 1,027 institutions across 65 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation in business. Furthermore, 194 institutions maintain supplemental AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs.

“I am delighted and proud that Essex Business School has been awarded the prestigious AACSB accreditation which marks a significant milestone in our school's development,” said Professor Claudia Girardone, Dean of Essex Business School. “AACSB accreditation acknowledges the high standards we have established over the years and is a reflection of our strong dedication to continuous improvement across all areas of our activity. It is very pleasing to be commended by the Peer Review Team for our commitment to sustainability, community, and inclusivity, that are among our key values and drive our initiatives across all areas of the school.”

AACSB accreditation ensures continuous improvement and provides focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate, and drive impact. AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education.

“University of Essex’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication—not only to their students, alumni network, and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole,” said Bryant. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of University of Essex to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally.”