Charlton College of Business maintains AACSB accreditation, placing UMass Dartmouth among the world’s top business schools

Reaccreditation recognizes Charlton’s commitment to academic quality, faculty excellence, student success, and regional economic impact

UMass Dartmouth’s Charlton College of Business (CCB) has maintained its accreditation by AACSB International, a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide and widely regarded as the gold standard in business education.

AACSB accreditation recognizes business schools that meet rigorous standards for academic quality, faculty qualifications, strategic management, learner success, and societal impact. Charlton’s continued accreditation affirms the College’s commitment to preparing students for career success through high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs, engaged faculty, experiential learning, and strong connections to the region’s business community.

“The reaffirmation of our AACSB accreditation reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in business education and continuous improvement,” said Madan Annavarjula, dean of the Charlton College of Business. “It recognizes the dedication of our faculty and staff, the achievements of our students and alumni, and the strength of our partnerships with the business community. Most importantly, it affirms that we are preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to lead, innovate, and create lasting value for organizations throughout the SouthCoast, the Commonwealth, and beyond.”

As the only AACSB-accredited business program in southern Massachusetts, CCB plays a distinctive role in supporting workforce development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the region. The College’s industry relationships help inform curriculum, create internship and employment pathways, and connect students and faculty with organizations addressing emerging business and community needs.
The AACSB accreditation process includes a comprehensive review of a business school’s mission, curriculum, faculty scholarship, student learning outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement efforts. Accredited schools must demonstrate that they are providing a rigorous, relevant, and future-focused business education.

The Charlton College of Business was commended for its strong collaboration with the UMass Dartmouth Career Center, its integration of career education and advising into the student experience, and its broad use of applied projects, experiential learning, and service learning across the curriculum. The College’s support for local businesses and nonprofits, investment in emerging technologies and data resources, and strategies to strengthen student and faculty engagement in both traditional and online courses were also recognized as notable strengths.

The Charlton College of Business offers a full range of undergraduate business programs, MBA options, specialized master’s programs, graduate certificates, and flexible online programs designed to serve traditional students, working professionals, and regional employers. Students benefit from small classes, individual advising, career preparation, internships, experiential learning, and faculty whose research and professional expertise connect classroom learning with real-world business challenges.

The College’s next AACSB review is scheduled for 2030.