Fewer than 2% of business schools globally hold this prestigious level of dual accreditation.

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LAS VEGAS – July 4, 2024– AACSB International announced that it has renewed dual accreditation status of UNLV’s Lee Business School and its Department of Accounting. The school has maintained dual accreditation from AACSB since 1991 and is one of only 194 business schools worldwide – or just 2% -- that have earned AACSB accreditation in both accounting and business. It is the only AACSB-accredited program in Southern Nevada. "Extending our dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting for another six years is a testament to the unwavering commitment and excellence of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni," said Vice Dean Stoney Alder, who led the year-long reaccreditation process for Lee Business School.

AACSB accreditation ensures a school is providing students a challenging, relevant education that prepares them for the business world. To earn and sustain accreditation, an institution must align with a set of 15 standards that focus on mission and strategic management; support for students, faculty, and staff; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement of students and faculty. 

According to Jason L. Smith, chair of the Department of Accounting, “This extension of our accreditation affirms our continuing commitment to maintaining accounting programs that combine world-class faculty and strong community support with rigorous curriculum that integrates technical knowledge and technology tools to prepare students for the many rewarding career opportunities built upon an accounting education.”

During the review process, AACSB commended the business school for increased internships and post-graduation employment; high-quality teaching, research, and service; faculty, staff, student, alumni, and employer satisfaction; and for its engagement with the Las Vegas business community. The committee also recommended a new building in order to attract students and ensure they have a quality learning experience.

Several of the school’s programs were also highlighted for their reach and impact, including: 

• Award-winning international student competition teams

• Top 20 scholarly research rankings in accounting and auditing

• Improved community outreach especially through the centers of excellence and career services 

• Greater than $1 million in scholarships awarded annually to Lee Business School students

AACSB accreditation gives students a competitive edge – they get a rigorous, relevant education that prepares them for successful careers. And it ensures them more opportunities, as many major companies report that they recruit exclusively at AACSB-accredited institutions for interns and employees. Earning an undergraduate degree from an AACSB-accredited institution also provides students with an advantage when applying for graduate programs.

To achieve accounting accreditation, an institution must first earn AACSB business accreditation. Then, in addition to developing and implementing a mission-driven plan to satisfy the business accreditation quality standards, accounting accreditation requires the satisfaction of a supplemental set of standards specific to the discipline and profession of accounting. Once accreditation is achieved, each institution participates in a six-year continuous improvement peer review to maintain high quality and extend its accreditation.

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About the Lee Business School

As one of the largest schools at UNLV with approximately 3,500 undergraduate students, 500 graduate students, more than 140 faculty and staff, and 25,500+ alumni, Lee Business School offers 10 undergraduate majors, 12 minors, and seven graduate degree programs. The MBA program has ranked in the top 100 part-time MBA programs for the past five years according to U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its scholastic endeavors, Lee Business School is home to four centers that connect faculty and students with business and industry: Troesh Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), Lied Center for Real Estate, and Kerestesi Center for Insurance and Risk Management.
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About AACSB International

Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB and business schools from around the world are leading boldly in business education at aacsb.edu. For more information about AACSB accreditation, please visit aacsb.edu/accreditation.