Accreditation and Continuous Improvement
The Richards College of Business strives to provide a quality education for its students and seeks to continually reinforce that quality through continuous improvement in all programs and courses. External accreditation validates this emphasis and demonstrates to our constituents, both internal and external, the RCOB’s dedication to its mission: “…to educate and prepare students for positions of responsibility in business and society."
ACCREDITATION: SACS, AACSB, NCATE
SACS: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), “. . . the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. The Commission’s mission is the enhancement of educational quality throughout the region and it strives to improve the effectiveness of institutions by ensuring that institutions meet standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students.”
AACSB-International: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
The business administration programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the Richards College of Business are accredited by AACSB-International. In addition, separate accreditation is held in the accounting program, likewise at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. “AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education.”
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
The Business Education program in the Richards College of Business is accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through the UWG College of Education. In addition, the Bachelor of Science in Economics degree with Secondary Education Certification is also accredited by NCATE. The College of Education at the University of West Georgia is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. All education programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) for recommendation for Georgia professional educator certification.