Hattiesburg, MS -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/08/2017 -- The College of Business at The University of Southern Mississippi has maintained elite status internationally with re-accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The accreditation covers a five-year period.

The University's graduate and undergraduate business and accounting programs are all accredited by AACSB International. Southern Miss offers the only on-campus AACSB-accredited business programs in South Mississippi with classes offered at the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. The business programs at Southern Miss have been accredited by AACSB since 1976 and have held separate accreditation in accounting since 1982, among the first programs nationwide to achieve that distinction.

"The new accreditation standards ask business programs to show engagement, innovation and impact. Our faculty members connect our students with the business community and organizations to deliver distinctive experiences for our students," said Dr. Faye Gilbert, Dean of the USM College of Business. "Achieving AACSB accreditation reinforces our best practices with a commendation of excellence."

The USM College of Business includes five degree-granting areas of study: School of Accountancy; Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Sport Management; Department of Finance, Real Estate & Business Law; Department of Management & International Business; Department of Marketing and Merchandising.

AACSB-accredited schools have the highest-quality faculty, deliver relevant and challenging curriculum, and provide educational and career opportunities that are not found at other business schools. AACSB Accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Less than five percent of the more than 16,000 schools worldwide granting business degrees have earned AACSB Accreditation.

Dr. Gwen Pate, Director of the USM School of Accountancy, notes that reaffirmation of AACSB accreditation represents the culmination of hard work on the part of faculty and staff in the school.

"We strive to provide our students with a strong foundation in accounting as well as opportunities for engaging with accounting professionals throughout their time here," said Pate. "We are extremely pleased that our efforts have been recognized by our peers through the accreditation process."

To learn more about the USM College of Business, call 601-266-4659 or visit: https://www.usm.edu/business