The Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America has joined an elite group of business schools — just six percent globally — to be accredited by AACSB International, the world’s top business accrediting organization. This major milestone required a rigorous review process conducted by peers in business education.
Accreditation isn’t the only milestone for the Busch School this year. In fall 2025, the school will launch its first MBA program.
“Rooted in Catholic social teaching, the Busch School MBA program will emphasize the importance of human dignity, solidarity, and the common good through an innovative curriculum and a commitment to these principles,” Andrew Abela, founding dean of the Busch School, said.
“We believe that business is about both profits and purpose. That’s why we prepare leaders who understand that true success comes from blending technical skills with moral responsibility,” he added.
The school’s success is shown in its graduates’ successes: 96% of undergraduates secure full-time employment within six months of graduation.
Specializations include entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, marketing, international business, business management, as well as strategy management, and operations.
The faculty, which includes business leaders, encourages collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Many students also take advantage of the school’s Washington, D.C., location and professional networks for internships and employment.
Achieving Accreditation
The AACSB accreditation process requires a business school to undergo a rigorous, peer-conducted review process that assesses resources, credentials, and a school’s commitment to provide a high quality business education. This includes a demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning.
“Accreditation represents not just a milestone for our faculty, staff, and students, but a testament to our mission of integrating faith with the highest standards of business education,” said Peter Kilpatrick, president of Catholic University.
Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB, echoed the importance of this achievement, noting, “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of The Catholic University of America to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally.”
The AACSB is the oldest and most recognized accrediting body for business schools worldwide.
New MBA Program
The new Master of Business Administration (MBA) program launching in fall 2025 at The Catholic University of America is an accelerated, 9-month program tailored for recent college graduates with less than five years of professional experience. Rooted in Catholic teaching, this program equips students with management expertise, hands-on business experience, and an ethical foundation to use business as a force for good.
The Catholic University MBA is unique in that it integrates the professional and technical expertise of a Carnegie top-ranked research university within a comprehensive Christian worldview.
Courses emphasize practical learning through case studies, collaborative projects, and real-world applications, and prepare graduates to excel in a competitive business environment.
