What Does IACBE-Accredited Mean?

At Herzing University, we're incredibly proud that many of our business programs have earned accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). But we know there may be some confusion about what this designation actually means and why it's significant for your Herzing degree. Let's clear that up.

Understanding IACBE Accreditation

IACBE provides specialized programmatic accreditation for business and business-related degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Unlike institutional accreditation, which evaluates an entire college or university, programmatic accreditation focuses specifically on individual programs within a business school or department.

What makes IACBE unique is its mission-driven, outcomes-based approach. Rather than simply checking off a list of resources or inputs, IACBE emphasizes that academic quality should be measured by educational outcomes—actual student learning and program performance—in relation to the institution's specific mission. This philosophy recognizes that different institutions may have different strengths and structures while still maintaining high standards of excellence.

The Accreditation Process

Earning IACBE accreditation isn't automatic. It's a rigorous, voluntary process that requires significant commitment from the academic business unit. The process involves preparing a comprehensive self-study that demonstrates compliance with IACBE's Accreditation Principles, followed by a site visit from peer reviewers who are themselves experienced business educators. Finally, IACBE's Board of Commissioners reviews all the evidence to determine accreditation status.

This external validation of quality provides an independent assessment that our business programs are functioning effectively and producing strong outcomes for students.

Why IACBE Accreditation Matters for Your Career

When you're evaluating business programs, knowing whether a program holds IACBE accreditation gives you confidence that it adheres to recognized standards in business education. IACBE is one of three major independent organizations that accredit business programs in the United States, alongside AACSB International and ACBSP.

Accreditation provides evidence of quality to all stakeholders—students, parents, employers and the broader academic community. Because IACBE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), its accreditation helps meet external demands for assurance of quality in higher education. This matters when you're entering the job market or considering further education, as employers and other institutions recognize the credibility that comes with attending an accredited program.

Herzing's IACBE-Accredited Programs

Our business division has received specialized accreditation through IACBE for a comprehensive range of programs. These include:

• Bachelor's degrees in Accounting, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Marketing and Project Management
• MBA programs

Each of these programs has been externally evaluated and meets the standards set forth by IACBE. This means you can be confident that your education is being assessed not just internally by the university but by peer reviewers from across the business education community.

What This Means for You

Choosing an IACBE-accredited program means you're investing in an education that has been rigorously evaluated by external experts in business education. It means the institution is committed to continuous improvement and focuses on outcomes that matter—your learning, your skills and your career readiness.

At Herzing, we don't take this accreditation lightly. It represents our ongoing commitment to providing you with a high-quality business education that prepares you for success in your chosen field. Whether you're pursuing your degree online or on campus, in accounting or project management, you can trust that your program meets recognized standards of academic excellence.