(SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – May 1, 2013) The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education has informed SUNY Empire State College that the college’s School for Graduate Studies’ MBA in Management program has received specialized accreditation.

The IACBE accreditation process includes an independent evaluation of the program by professional peer reviewers, a self-study and report by the college and a review by the IACBE Board of Commissioners.

"I am incredibly proud of the work of the graduate business faculty who put student learning first and constantly strive to provide the highest quality education," says Tai Arnold, acting dean of the college’s School for Graduate Studies. “The recognition from IACBE is a wonderful affirmation of the strength of the college’s faculty and the MBA program."

 IACBE ensures that each of the programs it accredits "… complies with high principles of excellence and follows best practice in business education." Further, it ensures, "… accredited schools have demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, excellence in business education and advancing academic quality."

“Accreditation from the IACBE is the result of three years of hard work,” said Alan Belasen, professor and chair of the college’s School for Graduate Studies graduate business, leadership programs. “With a focus on how to successfully apply management techniques, rather than simply teaching about management, Empire State College MBA students have opportunities to practice and become proficient in applying key skills for effective daily management. Moreover, the option afforded students to place out of modules and courses in which they can demonstrate competency or functional knowledge of business or management helps students establish advanced standing, making the program both accelerated and cost effective.”

IACBE will make a formal announcement at its 2014 annual conference.

About the MBA in Management

The Master of Business Administration in Management program is designed for aspiring and mid-career managers seeking to enhance their analytic, decision-making and communication skills in complex organizational environments.

Through assessments, students can earn credit toward the MBA for knowledge and competency acquired either professionally or academically.

About IACBE

The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education was founded in 1997 in response to the expressed needs of presidents, chief academic officers and business deans and chairs who wanted an accreditation process that was mission-driven and outcomes-based.

The IACBE is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and is the leader in mission-driven and outcomes-based programmatic accreditation in business education for student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world.

About SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College was established in 1971 to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York.

In addition to awarding credit for prior college-level learning, the college pairs each student with a faculty mentor who supports that student throughout his or her college career. Students engage in guided independent study and course work onsite, online or a combination of both, which provides the flexibility for students to learn at the time, place and pace they choose.

The college serves more than 20,000 students worldwide at more than 35 locations in New York state and online. Its 66,000 alumni are active in their communities as entrepreneurs, politicians, business professionals, artists, nonprofit agency employees, teachers, veterans and active military, union members and more. More information about the college is available here.

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Media contact: David Henahan, director of communications

518-587-2100, ext. 2918

David.Henahan@esc.edu

518-321-7038 (after 5 p.m. and weekends)