AACSB

University of Galway is delighted to announce that J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics has been globally accredited by AACSB International - the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 

AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide.   

Only the top 5% of business schools globally have attained AACSB accreditation. 

Achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal focus, engagement with an AACSB-assigned mentor, and peer-reviewed evaluation. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation; student, faculty, and staff as active participants; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement.  

AACSB implements the Accreditation process by assigning a Peer Review Team who visit and assess Business Schools worldwide. The Peer Review Team is key to the final decision which is reviewed by the Accreditation committee and AACSB Board of Directors. 

Announcing the accreditation, President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said “Achieving this accreditation is recognition of the global standard that J.E. Cairnes School of Business School & Economics has met in specific and recognisable measurements of business education excellence, including areas such teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. This accreditation demonstrates how our faculty and professional staff have demonstrated our core university values in their activities, and how we ensure continuous innovation in delivering the highest quality of business education to students.” 

Professor Geraint Howells, Executive Dean for the College of Business Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said “Over the past number of years, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics has shown great innovation across its programmes, quality assurance processes, internationalisation, student recruitment, partnership development and industry engagement. I would like to applaud the entire Business team for their participation in securing this global accreditation. 

Professor Alma McCarthy, Head of J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, said “This incredible success enhances our reputation as one of the best business schools in the world, and we will continue to innovate and expand as part of our new strategic plan moving forward. AACSB is a reflection of the transformational work that is taking place throughout our School. I would also like to acknowledge Dr Tom Acton, former Head of School, and our dedicated Accreditation Team comprising of Professor Willie Golden, Niamh Corcoran and Michelle Bradley, who led our School through this accreditation process over the past number of years. 

The accreditation is valid for 5 years, when a subsequent reaccreditation visit will take place.