BHSU receives highest standard in business program accreditation through AACSB

Black Hills State University received an extension of accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, AACSB International. This accreditation is earned by only five percent of the world’s business schools offering degrees at the bachelor level or higher.

BHSU President Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., congratulated faculty, staff, students, and all supporters of BHSU, on achieving this highest standard.

“BHSU is among the top 5 percent of business schools in the world,” said Jackson. “Through this accreditation BHSU met high standards of excellence in learning and teaching; strategic management and innovation; student, faculty, and staff as active participants; and academic and professional engagement.”

BHSU first received AACSB accreditation in 2014. Once achieved, schools must undergo a continuous improvement review every five years to ensure they are evolving and excelling over time. The AACSB accreditation process includes rigorous self-evaluation and peer-review elements.

Dr. Greg Farley, dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences at BHSU, said AACSB accreditation leads to higher levels of student success.

“Recent surveys indicate graduates from accredited programs are offered higher salaries, have more employees interested in them, and have better performance,” said Farley. “This accomplishment reflects the commitment of the School of Business faculty and staff to student success. Our faculty are highly qualified and create a positive learning environment which prepares students for employment and multiple professional outcomes after graduation.”

Five years after graduation, BHSU business administration graduates report an 85% employment rate. BHSU business students work directly with businesses requesting consultation from the School through marketing and retail management classes. BHSU assists students in locating internships, many of which are paid and/or have scholarship opportunities, and lead to full-time job opportunities. 

“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.”

About AACSB
As the world’s largest business education alliance, AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) -- connects educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to more than 1,600 member organizations and over 800 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB’s mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education. The global organization has offices located in Tampa, Florida, USA; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Singapore. For more information, visit aacsb.edu.

About the BHSU School of Business
Black Hills State University is a premier, student-centered college, where students can fulfill their potential in an exceptional business environment. The University offers associate, bachelor (with seven specializations) and master's degree business programs on campus in Spearfish and at BHSU-Rapid City. Classes are also available online. Through innovative instruction, mentoring, research, internships, and service, BHSU develops business graduates who can compete effectively in a dynamic global environment. For more information on the School of Business at BHSU, visit www.BHSU.edu/Business