The Helsinki School of Economics (HSE) was awarded AACSB accreditation on 12 April, 2007. This is another first for HSE, as no other Nordic business school has yet achieved the prestigious international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In the current round of accreditation, HSE was the only European School to be accredited alongside eight other business schools, six located in the United States, who met the strict demands of the internationally acclaimed standards organization.

AACSB accreditation is further proof to students, applicants, employees, partners, corporations and benefactors that HSE's educational programs and related services are truly world class. Preparing for and ensuring future compliance to the accreditation guidelines forms a solid base for internal discussion and improvement within HSE's university and partner networks. One key function of participating in the AACSB accreditation process, in line with the Finnish government’s top university-program, is guaranteeing the school's continuing development.

Triple international accreditation a notable achievement

Now also accredited by the AACSB, HSE has been tested by all three international standards organizations that certify business schools. The previous certifications are from the European EQUIS and the Association of MBAs. This third certification, often referred to as the ‘triple crown’ raises HSE into a category shared by only about 20 other universities, such as the London Business School and the HEC School of Management in Paris.

Demanding requirements for accreditation

Accreditation requires that each business school fulfil strict quality standards for leadership, success in meeting educational goals, and communication between staff and students. The standards must also be integrated into the school's mission statement. Compliance is judged by deans experienced with business education from other international business schools.

AACSB internationally respected

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) was the world's first and is still the largest accreditation organization for business schools. Since its conception in 1916, accreditation has been awarded to 549 business schools in 31 countries. In addition, the organization supports educational improvement by organizing seminars around the world. Its headquarters are located in Tampa, FL (USA).