UC Davis Graduate School of Management Celebrates Continued AACSB International Accreditation
Less than 6% of business schools have met the high-quality standards
The UC Davis Graduate School of Management has successfully maintained its business accreditation from AACSB International, a nonprofit with a mission to elevate the quality and impact of business schools around the globe.
Founded in 1916, AACSB International provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and learning and development services to over 1,900 member organizations, more than 1,000 accredited business schools and more than 5 million learners globally.
Less than 6% of all business schools have earned AACSB accreditation. AACSB accreditation is recognized worldwide as the highest level of excellence a business school can achieve. The UC Davis Graduate School of Management received official notification of its reaccreditation on February 5, 2025.
“AACSB accreditation review is a remarkable process of self-evaluation and external evaluation by multiple entities, all focused on delivery of high-quality educational experiences to students interested in business,” said H. Rao Unnava, the Michael and Joelle Hurlston Dean of the Graduate School of Management.
“Positive accreditation is an affirmation of the hard work our faculty and staff do every day to meet the standards set forth by AACSB and earn this distinction. We look forward to continuing to serve our students and the society, always adhering to these standards."
— Dean H. Rao Unnava
The UC Davis Graduate School of Management achieved initial accredited by AACSB International in 1992. The AACSB’s continuous improvement review process is conducted every five years and signals that an AACSB-accredited institution “has documented continuous improvements in support of its stated mission and strategic management plan to sustain AACSB accreditation status.”
The UC Davis Graduate School of Management has successfully undergone six prior reviews by AACSB International and for the sixth consecutive time, met the distinguished standard.
Paving the Way for the Next Era of Business Education Standards
Accredited schools demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, research, curriculum development, and learner success. The two-year process involves a rigorous external review of the school’s mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs.
“AACSB congratulates each institution on achieving AACSB accreditation,” Stephanie Bryant, executive vice president and global chief accreditation officer at AACSB, said of the more than 60 institutions that have extended their business or accounting accreditation. “The commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of each school’s dedication—not only to its students, alumni network, and greater business community—but to society as a whole.”
Earlier in the week, AACSB approved the AACSB Global Standard-Setting Framework. This framework formalizes the process for revising business education standards and establishes a structured five-year review cycle.
This initiative reaffirms AACSB’s position as the global authority on business education quality and impact. Anticipated to launch on July 1, 2026, the revised standards will be released as The Global Standards for Business Education™.
About AACSB International
As the world’s largest business education alliance, AACSB International (AACSB) connects educators, students, and businesses to create the next generation of great leaders.
Media Contact
Tim Akin, Graduate School of Management, (530) 752-7362, tmakin@ucdavis.edu