UMSL’s College of Business Administration, with its primary offices and classrooms in Anheuser-Busch Hall, once again received dual accreditation by AACSB. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Business Administration continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in business education and workforce preparation in the St. Louis community and beyond.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business recently reaffirmed UMSL’s standing as an elite business university, renewing UMSL’s dual accreditation for all business and accounting programs, both undergraduate and graduate.

AACSB International was founded in 1916 and is considered the hallmark of excellence in business education. Only 6% of business schools worldwide meet the AACSB standards, and fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide maintain dual accreditation in business and accounting.

“The AACSB dual accreditation is an important validation of the excellent business education and experience we provide to all learners,” UMSL Business Dean Shu Schiller said. “The College of Business received its AACSB business accreditation in 1970 and its accounting accreditation in 1996. We are the only public research institution in St. Louis with this distinct recognition. Our faculty and staff are fully committed to providing a transformative and excellent experience and outcome to our business students.”

The distinction is an important factor for prospective students, who understand how that independent recognition can help them land internships and jobs after graduation.

“It provides a certain level of certification, saying this is a recognized and valuable degree and education that you will have moving forward,” said senior finance major Addison Eaker, who is graduating this month and will start her career at Wells Fargo in July. “As students, we know businesses recognize that and appreciate that.”

It’s also an honor UMSL faculty members take seriously.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication, excellence and integrity demonstrated by our faculty, staff, students, alumni and corporate and firm partners every day,” said Professor Stephen Moehrle, a longtime faculty member in UMSL’s accounting department. “Reaccreditation is not just a reflection of meeting high standards, but it affirms our ongoing commitment to innovation, academic rigor and continuous improvement. I want to thank each member of our community for playing a vital role in this process. Together, we continue to advance the CPA profession in the St. Louis region and beyond.”

UMSL Business provides a wide variety of high-quality opportunities for students – inside and outside of the classroom setting – as evidenced with lofty rankings by respected publications.

UMSL’s master’s in cybersecurity program was ranked No. 3 in the country by Fortune Media in the publication’s 2025 ranking.

When U.S. News and World Report released its 2025 ranking for the Best Online MBA programs in the country, UMSL was tied for 46th out of 355 programs considered, which is higher than any other university in Missouri. This was the first time UMSL had submitted its Online MBA program for consideration, and UMSL was also the highest debut program on the list.

Another ranking by U.S. News and World Report chose UMSL’s undergraduate International Business Program as one of the top 25 such programs in the country. This was the 21st time in 22 years that UMSL was deemed a Top 25 program.

For the seventh straight year, UMSL’s Doctor of Business Administration program qualified for CEO Magazine’s list of the premier DBA programs globally.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center continues to expand its community-focused Anchor Accelerator program, and the newly renovated facility is scheduled to open in August.

The wide variety of programs and opportunities – such as the numerous study abroad programs available to students – matches the wide variety of disciplines offered by UMSL Business, including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management, marketing, supply chain and analytics as well as information systems and cybersecurity

“Dual accreditation, very simply put, is a signal of excellence held by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide,” said Michele Meckfessel, the accounting department chair. “It is validation of UMSL’s academic rigor, faculty quality, and global relevance. At UMSL dual accreditation ensures students are getting a world-class education that is both relevant and respected, a strong alumni network and better career prospects.”