The College of Business is an accredited member of AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

AACSB International was founded in 1916 and began its accreditation function with the adoption of the first standards in 1919. Additional standards for programs in accountancy were adopted in 1980. AACSB International members approved mission-linked accreditation standards and the peer review process in 1991.  In 2003, members approved a revised set of standards that are relevant and applicable to all business programs globally and which support and encourage excellence in management education worldwide.

Accreditation is a process of voluntary, non-governmental review of educational institutions and programs. Institutional accreditation reviews entire colleges and universities.  Specialized agencies award accreditation for professional programs and academic units in particular fields of study. As a specialized agency, AACSB International grants accreditation for undergraduate and graduate business administration and accounting programs. 

AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education.

AACSB International accreditation assures stakeholders that business schools:

• Manage resources to achieve a vibrant and relevant mission.
• Advance business and management knowledge through faculty scholarship.
• Provide high-caliber teaching of quality and current curricula.
• Cultivate meaningful interaction between students and a qualified faculty.
• Produce graduates who have achieved specified learning goals.

History of SIU College of Business

SIU started offering a bookkeeping class in 1894 then gradually added other business courses but it wasn't until 1957 when a separate School of Business and Administration was established under the leadership of the school's first dean, Henry J. Rehn.

Rehn served from 1947 to 1965, during which time the school expanded its course offerings and inaugurated the graduate programs.  Rehn Hall, which was dedicated in 1983, is the home of the College of Business and bears his name.  The Henry J. Rehn Society recognizes alumni and friends who make significant financial investments in the College.

Rehn was a visionary who embraced innovation and promoted teaching excellence.  His vision was to expand the scope and size of the school and to create a stellar academic culture.

Rehn's vision has become a reality.  Today, the College of Business is made up of the School of Accountancy, Department of Finance, Department of Management and Department of Marketing.  The school boasts an enrollment of 1,600 undergraduates and 250 graduate students, from 15 states and 30 countries.

The 20,000 alumni make significant contributions worldwide.  Plus, the school offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees--one of only three public institutions in Illinois to do so.  U.S. News & World Report ranks us as one of the top 100 public business schools nationwide.