Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, processes, and best practices of academic accreditation and quality assurance in higher education – specifically in the Business and Management Field. Learners will gain practical knowledge of how accreditation ensures institutional integrity, continuous improvement, and compliance with national and international standards.
Emphasis is placed on understanding institutional and programmatic accreditation frameworks, including regional accreditation and discipline-specific accreditations such as AACSB (Business), ACBSP, and IACBE and others. Participants will learn to interpret accreditation criteria, conduct self-studies, manage evidence and documentation, and design systems for ongoing readiness.
Through real-world case studies, simulation exercises, and project-based learning, learners will develop the skills needed to lead or contribute to successful accreditation efforts within universities, colleges, and specialized programs.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and significance of accreditation in higher education.
- Differentiate between institutional and programmatic accreditation.
- Analyze accreditation standards and their implications for governance, assessment, and improvement.
- Develop a self-study plan and evidence collection framework.
- Apply continuous improvement models (e.g., PDCA cycle) to academic programs.
- Design strategies to engage faculty and staff in accreditation readiness.
- Evaluate and report outcomes using data-driven decision-making tools.
Key Topics:
- History and types of accreditation
- Institutional vs. programmatic accreditation
- Accreditation standards and criteria (e.g., AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE)
- Governance, mission, and strategic alignment
- Learners understanding outcomes and assessment
- Faculty qualifications and professional development
- Data management and documentation systems
- Preparing for self-studies and site visits
- Post-accreditation reporting and continuous improvement
Course Format:
- Lectures and guided discussions
- Case studies and accreditation simulations
- Team-based accreditation project
- Guest speakers from accrediting bodies
Target Audience:
- University and college administrators
- Program directors and department chairs
- Assessment and institutional effectiveness staff
- Graduate students in higher education leadership programs
- Deans, chairs, and assessment coordinators
- Accreditation liaisons and accreditation coordinators
- Faculty
Course Deliverables:
- Accreditation self-study mini-project
- Mock peer review report
- Continuous improvement action plan
Course Content
Course Includes
- 10 Lessons