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����ֱ��’s Bertolon School of Business has been awarded AACSB Accreditation, a distinction enjoyed by only five percent of business schools worldwide. Salem State is the first of Massachusetts’ nine state universities to receive this accreditation and is the only institution on the North Shore with an AACSB-endorsed business school. The university is now one of 20 institutions in Massachusetts with AACSB-accredited business schools, including Babson College, Bentley University, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University, among others.

AACSB International is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators and businesses worldwide.

“The quality of a Salem State education has been long recognized in our region and beyond. However, I am particularly proud that we are now making a business degree from an AACSB-accredited institution more accessible to our students,” said John D. Keenan, president of ����ֱ��. “Salem State now joins an elite status of business schools here in the Commonwealth and all across the globe.”

To achieve AACSB accreditation, Salem State successfully underwent a rigorous review process conducted by its peers in the business education community, ensuring that the university has the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education. The Bertolon School of Business’s accreditation was ratified by the AASCB Board of Directors on November 30, 2020.

“While we have always been committed to providing intellectually challenging educational experiences in a personalized environment, this accreditation affirms our commitment to excellence in everything we do,” said Raminder K. Luther, interim dean of ����ֱ��’s Bertolon School of Business.  “This accomplishment is a testament to the commitment of our valued faculty, staff, campus leadership, alumni, and external stakeholders, and we look forward to continuing on our path of excellence with greater strength.”

“AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “We congratulate ����ֱ�� and Interim Dean Raminder K. Luther on earning accreditation, and applaud the entire Bertolon School of Business team—including the administration, faculty, staff, and students—for their roles in earning this respected honor.”

"Achieving AACSB accreditation and being recognized among the top business schools in the country is an achievement that opens the door to many career opportunities world-wide for BSB students,” said Brandon Williams, a senior business major with a concentration in finance. “I am excited to be launching my career knowing that my alma mater has earned this prestigious recognition and I've already included it on my resume!"

Named for philanthropists Henry and Donna Bertolon in 2006, the Bertolon School of Business offers an undergraduate business administration degree with 11 concentrations, five undergraduate minors, an MBA, a Master of Science in Accounting, and certificates in accounting and business. In 2019, the university opened the Cabot Wealth Management Laboratory, which includes 12 Bloomberg terminals to give students access to financial data and tools used by investment professionals.

“The Bertolon School of Business inspires students to aim high and work to achieve their fullest potential, and the university has done just that by putting in the dedication needed to earn this prestigious accreditation,” said Henry Bertolon. “This will benefit students, the entire region and the world, as the Bertolon School of Business offers access to an affordable, high-quality business education and helps to prepare our future leaders. I could not be prouder to see my alma mater reach new heights with this hard-earned recognition.”

Learn more about AACSB at .