Freeman School celebrates renewal of elite AACSB accreditation
Tulane University’s A. B. Freeman School of Business has been reaccredited through 2029 by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the world’s leading accrediting body for university business education.
AACSB accreditation is awarded to only 6% of the world's schools offering business degrees at the bachelor's level or higher, indicating the highest level of excellence in business education.
The Freeman School underwent an extensive, multiyear review for the five-year accreditation renewal that included an in-depth assessment of internal and external activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor, and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement. The AACSB Continuous Improvement Review team, consisting of deans from peer institutions, evaluated almost all aspects of the school's programs and operations.
During the process, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards that require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research, and teaching and learning.
“Since announcing our five-year strategic plan in October 2022, the Freeman School has introduced a host of initiatives, from new people to new programs to new processes,” said Paulo Goes, dean of the Freeman School. “The team from AACSB left us with glowing feedback, recognizing the substantial progress we've made over the past few years. This acknowledgment is a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovative spirit of our faculty and staff and their unwavering commitment to excellence in business education.”
The AACSB’s review team praised Freeman’s ambitious strategic plan, the school’s increased faculty research output and recent curriculum changes that include innovations in the areas of data literacy and analytics, sustainability and social impact, and emerging technologies. They commended the redesigned MBA curriculum, the Master of Management in energy curriculum on renewable energy, the new online MBA and the school’s new minor and certificates.
The team also singled out the Aaron Selber Jr. Courses on Distressed Debt and Hedge Funds, the Lepage Center Student Venture Incubator, and the under-construction Schwartz Family Center for Experiential Business Learning as examples of notable best practices that offer students unique and valuable hands-on learning experiences.
AACSB now has 1,021 accredited institutions in over 65 countries and territories and 194 institutions with AACSB accreditation for accounting programs. Achieving this milestone ensures greater access to high-quality business education for learners around the world and businesses seeking top talent.
“AACSB congratulates each institution on achieving AACSB accreditation,” said Stephanie Bryant, executive vice president and global chief accreditation officer at AACSB. “The commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of each school’s dedication—not only to its students, alumni network, and greater business community—but to society as a whole.”
Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide, and the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools. Tulane is one of the 17 original founding members of the organization.