August 01, 2017

College of Business online programs earn national recognition

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Two Southern Illinois University Carbondale College of Business online degree programs recently earned national recognition.

SIU’s online MBA was ranked among the “Best Value Online MBA Degrees for 2018” by DiscoverBusiness.us and its online bachelor’s degree in accounting earned a spot on College Choice’s “35 Best Online Bachelor’s in Accounting Degrees, 2017” list.

“Our continuing nationally recognized performance is a reflection of our high-quality faculty and staff, and of their commitment to the college, the university and the region,” Terry Clark, dean of the College of Business, said.

SIU earned the 23rd spot among Discover Business’ top online MBA programs. The publication reviewed more than 200 programs and determined the rankings on overall cost, admission requirements, academic rank, faculty engagement, degree recognition and student success. Particularly high marks went to SIU’s online MBA program for admissions ranking, coming in at No.12 and for student success, at No. 18.

The list included an SIU profile, noting that the MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and taught by the same faculty who teach the on-campus program. It also indicates that the 42-credit degree is taught in a cohort style, is typically completed in two years, has a high 85 percent three-year graduation rate, and offers summer admission with early review of applications beginning as early as September of the year prior to admission. In partnership with the College of Agricultural Sciences, the College of Business also offers an online MBA with a concentration in agribusiness economics.

This summer also brought a major national ranking for SIU’s online bachelor’s degree in accounting. SIU claimed the 32nd spot on College Choice’s top-ranked programs. The rankings were based on factors including program accreditation, reputation scores, tuition costs and early career earnings for graduates.

The university’s profile accompanying this ranking also recognizes the program’s AACSB accreditation as well as its flexibility. The online degree completion program incorporates about 60 credit hours  of coursework, divided into 10 course pairings so students participate in two, eight-week classes at a time and typically finish in two years, although completion is possible in as little as 18 months.