UW College of Business Earns Prestigious AACSB Reaccreditation

The University of Wyoming College of Business has earned a six‑year reaccreditation from AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide hold AACSB accreditation, placing UW’s College of Business among a select group of institutions meeting the highest global standards in business education while serving the economic needs of Wyoming and the region.

“Wyoming can be justifiably proud of its College of Business,” UW President Ed Seidel says. “AACSB accreditation is the gold standard for business schools across the globe, and Wyoming’s university has a world-class College of Business that serves our state with a high degree of excellence.”

UW’s College of Business first earned AACSB accreditation in 1956 and has maintained it continuously.

AACSB accreditation reflects a rigorous review of teaching, research, curriculum, student support and strategic direction. During the review period, the college strengthened its programs while responding to statewide workforce needs and improving access for students across Wyoming.

“AACSB accreditation recognizes that we are meeting global expectations for academic quality and continuous improvement,” says Scott Beaulier, the H.A. “Dave” True Family Dean of the College of Business. “It also signals to students and employers that we are committed to producing graduates who communicate clearly, think critically, act ethically and have the skills needed to contribute immediately in professional settings. We are proud of this work and remain committed to raising the bar each year.”

While many institutions nationally are experiencing enrollment declines, the College of Business has grown 9.7 percent since fall 2019, reflecting increased interest in its programs and student‑focused initiatives.

The college enhanced student support through the Peter M. and Paula Green Johnson Student Success Center. Career advising, internship coordination and new data‑driven interventions improved job placement: Among graduates reporting outcomes, 62.2 percent secured employment within six months of earning their degrees. The center’s expanded services helped students connect more directly to employers in Wyoming and the region.

Faculty research productivity and impact were noted during the review. Over the past five years, faculty members produced 514 intellectual contributions, including 467 peer‑reviewed journal articles published in leading national and international outlets.

Faculty scholarship spans marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, finance and interdisciplinary work aligned with Wyoming’s economic and community needs.

AACSB also looks for engagement, innovation and impact. The college meets these expectations through several academic and outreach centers that connect students, faculty and communities across Wyoming:

-- The Center for Business and Economic Analysis, which provides applied research on workforce development, revenue forecasting and infrastructure planning.

-- The Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation, which supports research and outreach in emerging technologies.

-- The Center for Principle‑Based Leadership and Ethics, which advances research and programming in ethical leadership.

-- The Low‑Income Taxpayer Clinic, which connects faculty scholarship in tax law and policy with direct community service.

Together, these centers translate research into real-world impact -- strengthening Wyoming’s workforce, informing public policy and preparing students for high-demand careers.
 

To continue meeting AACSB standards for quality and continuous improvement, the college has updated its academic programs in recent years. Curricular improvements include:

-- Earlier access to core business courses.

-- Stronger integration of technology and data analytics.

-- Updates informed by Assurance of Learning processes.

The college expanded online programs to reach working professionals and place‑bound learners. Offerings now include fully online undergraduate degrees in accounting, management and marketing, as well as online graduate programs such as the M.S. in accounting and the MBA.

“AACSB accreditation is not a finish line -- it is an accountability mechanism,” Beaulier says. “It challenges us to demonstrate impact, measure outcomes and continually raise standards. Our students, employers and the state of Wyoming expect nothing less.”