Pacific College of Business Earns ACBSP Accreditation

The Pacific University College of Business has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

“Those programs granted ACBSP accreditation have shown their commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said Steve Parscale, ACBSP chief accreditation officer. “The initial accreditation of institutions demonstrates their commitment to provide the highest quality business education for their students.”

The accreditation process includes an application, preliminary visit, self-study, site visit and review by the ACBSP Board of Commissioners. The process typically takes three years.

Though Pacific University has long offered undergraduate business degrees, it established its College of Business in 2013. Building on more than 70 years of excellence in business education, the college launched an MBA program, expanded degree and emphasis offerings, and opened a placement services office to build networking opportunities for students and alumni and to connect with local and regional business leaders.

“Accreditation by the ACBSP affirms the quality of our business programs,” said Pacific President Lesley Hallick. “In the U.S. alone, there are 4,300 colleges and universities. ACBSP accredits business programs at fewer than 1,200 campuses across 60 countries." 

"This is a remarkable distinction earned by the College of Business,” added Provost and Interim Dean John Miller.

Since the inception of the college, Pacific’s undergraduate business program has grown from about 30 graduates a year to 70 in 2019. Meanwhile, 84 students have earned MBAs through the college’s 15-month program for working professionals.

Most recently, the college launched a healthcare management track within the MBA program, capitalizing on the university’s healthcare expertise. The program kicks off as the MBA program moves into Pacific’s newest facility, Baker Hall, featuring new College of Business offices and classrooms, as well as an interprofessional healthcare clinic, on the Hillsboro Campus.

“The true beneficiaries of the accreditation are students who can pursue their Pacific University business and MBA degrees with confidence and pride," said Associate Dean Jennifer Yruegas.