NEWS

Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business and School of Accountancy have been extended accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International — widely considered the gold standard in business education. Fewer than six percent of the world’s business schools achieve this recognition.

“AACSB accreditation is the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide,” said Dean of the College of Business Dr. Chris Martin. “This reaffirmation confirms the high quality of the faculty, programs, and students we have in the College of Business. I couldn’t be prouder of the College’s accomplishments over the past five years.”

For more than a century, AACSB accreditation has been synonymous with the highest standards in business education. Today, 1,051 institutions worldwide have earned AACSB accreditation, and only 197 institutions hold supplemental AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs.

“The School of Accountancy’s AACSB reaffirmation reflects the dedicated work of our faculty, students, alumni, and stakeholders,” said Dr. John Lauck, professor and director of the School of Accountancy. “Their commitment ensures the longstanding legacy of success for our accounting programs.”

Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor, and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement. During this multi-year path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These principles-based standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research, and teaching and learning.

Over this review cycle, the College of Business has experienced tremendous growth in program development, enrollment, fundraising, research, and external partnerships. Significant achievements highlighted in the report include:

• Increased undergraduate enrollment by five percent and graduate enrollment by 47 percent since Fall 2019
• Continued climb in U.S. News & World Report rankings at both undergraduate and graduate levels
• Increased elite research journal publication by 30 percent compared to previous five-year cycle
• Maintained strong placement rates: 98 percent (undergraduate), 98 percent (MBA), and 100 percent (MAcc) within six months (2022-23)
• Raised over $7.7 million in private giving to support mission-centric initiatives within the College
• Launched three new certificate programs and two MBA concentrations, in addition to developing a host of innovative courses across the undergraduate and graduate curriculum
• Contributed to regional economic and workforce development by bolstering the Center for Economic Research, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Center for Information Assurance, which received re-designation by NSA as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (research and education)

“By maintaining AACSB accreditation, we further illustrate our commitment to quality and continuous improvement,” said Martin. “We take great pride in providing students with innovative learning opportunities, conducting high-impact research, and actively engaging with our alumni and corporate partners. I look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence over the next six years and beyond.”

The College of Business has been accredited by AACSB since 1955, when the School of Business Administration was one of 78 schools of business in the United States to become members of the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business. The School of Accountancy was among the initial 20 schools receiving separate accounting accreditation and the first in Louisiana.

About AACSB International
Established in 1916, AACSB International is the world’s largest business education association, connecting business schools, businesses and lifelong learners to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB elevates the quality and impact of business schools globally. Learn how AACSB and business schools from around the world are leading boldly in business education at aacsb.edu.

About the College of Business
Through market-responsive academic programs, impactful scholarship, and a student-focused culture, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business graduates business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace. Building on a vibrant community of life-long learners, our graduates are prepared to positively impact business and society. Accredited by AACSB International, the College offers eight undergraduate degree programs in addition to the master of business administration, master of accountancy, and Ph.D. in business administration. For more information, visit business.latech.edu.