Accreditation

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Ferris State University for all academic programs.  In addition, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits selected programs within the College of Business.  This accreditation certifies that teaching and learning processes within these programs meet the rigorous educational standards established by this internationally recognized professional accrediting body.  ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence on a diverse and global scale.  ACBSP embraces the virtues of teaching excellence and emphasizes to students that it is essential to learn how to learn.  ACBSP accredits business, accounting, and business-related programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctorate degree levels worldwide.  Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in 2001 and again in 2011, ACBSP was the first to offer specialized business accreditation at all degree levels.

Programs within the College of Business receiving accreditation from ACBSP

• Accountancy — AAS & BS
• Accountancy/Computer Information Systems — BS
• Accountancy/Finance — BS
• Business Administration — BS
• Business Administration — MBA
• Business Administration with Professional Tracks — BS
• Business Data Analytics — BS
• Computer Information Systems — AAS & BS
• Computer Information Technology— BS
• Finance — BS
• General Business — AAS
• Hospitality Management — BS
• Human Resource Management—BS
• Marketing — AAS & BS
• Music and Entertainment Business (formerly Music Industry Management) — BS
• Operations and Supply Management — BS
• PGA Golf Management — BS
• Professional Tennis Management — BS
• Public Relations — BS
• Risk Management & Insurance — BS

Programs With Specialized Accreditation

In addition to ACBSP accreditation, the programs below are also accredited by a professional specific accrediting body.

Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA)

The PGA Golf Management Program at Ferris State University, created in 1975, was the first in the United States sanctioned by the PGA.  This relationship continues today with the PGA closely monitoring program content for compliance with PGA Golf Management program standards.

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

The Ferris State University Public Relations (PR) program is only one of two in the nation to offer public relations as a business degree, and it is the only PR program in Michigan certified by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).  Ferris graduates have a competitive edge in the employment market, because they understand a balance sheet as well as writing a press release.

United States Tennis Association (USTA) & the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA)

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) both reviewed and endorsed the Professional Tennis Management (PTM) program, in 2014 and 1986 respectively.  Ferris state was the first four-year program to receive accreditation from the USPTA.  Upon graduation, students will have earned both their United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) certification and Professional Tennis Registry certification.

Other AccrediTation

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

The Information Security & Intelligence program is accredited by the CAC Accreditation Commission of ABET, ABET Accreditation Search

The programs below are not accredited by ACBSP because of specialized program focus.

• Artificial Intelligence — BS
• Criminal Justice — AA
• Criminal Justice Administration — MS
• Criminal Justice-Corrections Option — BS
• Criminal Justice-Generalist Option — BS
• Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Option — BS
• Data Science and Analytics — MS
• Design (formerly Graphic Design) — BS
• Digital Animation & Game Design — BS
• Digital Media Software Engineering — BS
• Graphic Communications — AAS
• Graphic Media Management — BS
• Information Security & Intelligence — AAS, BS, MS
• Professional Esports Production — BS
• Project Management — BS
• Restaurant & Food Industry Management — AAS
• Television & Digital Media Production — BS

Program to be Accredited after meeting the ACBSP two-years existence and graduates requirements

• Economics — BS