By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Two degrees offered by the Williamson College of Business Administration have been internationally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and the Master of Business Administration degrees were recently added to WCBA’s accredited programs.
In a press release by Youngstown State University’s News Center, YSU President Bill Johnson stated that outside approval highlights the work of students and faculty at the WCBA.
“This global recognition places YSU’s business programs in the top 6% worldwide,” Johnson stated. “Consequently, our students are ensured a high-quality business education and professional development opportunities that enable them to maximize their competitiveness in the job market.”
According to the press release, AACSB is a globally recognized institution that sets the standard for business schools. Its accreditation is recognized worldwide as the highest form of achievable excellence by a business school.
Betty Jo Licata, interim dean of WCBA, said the achievement shows the faculty’s commitment to preparing students’ for real-world career experiences.
“Our accreditation reflects the faculty’s commitment to excellence through engagement with our students, the profession and the business,” Licata said.
Christina Saenger, associate dean of WCBA, said the accreditation is a result of the college’s continued innovations. She played a pertinent role during the accreditation process.
“Our accreditation is an outcome of continually improving and innovating how we engage students inside and outside of the classroom to prepare them to excel in business,” Saenger said. “This resonated with what our students are looking for and motivates them to enroll in our business degree programs.”
The faculty’s involvement in students’ personal and professional development was spotlighted by AACSB. Saenger said AACSB cited several noteworthy programs and services offered to students by the WCBA.
“Our Center for Student Services team and Center for Career Management staff are difference makers for our students, helping them stay on-track to graduation and developing their skills in securing internships and full-time jobs,” Saenger said.
The bachelor’s and master’s degree enrollments are over 11% and 6.5%, respectively. Saenger said the increase, in addition to the accreditation, signals the college’s program meeting a high international standard.
“Students and parents look for the global mark of excellence that AACSB represents, and it’s one of many things that sets us apart from other programs,” Saenger said.
