Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences Earns Prestigious International Accreditation

«This prestigious institutional accreditation marks a significant milestone for us, notably enhancing the international recognition of our degrees. This accreditation opens doors for us to establish further partnerships with renowned international universities, attract projects with businesses, and increase the appeal of our study programs. Achieving this accreditation motivates us to continue on our path of development and to strive for continuous improvement across the four key areas of our university (teaching, executive education, applied research and development, and services),» emphasizes Prof. Thomas Metzger, Dean of the School of Management at OST.

Completion of a Multi-Year Accreditation Process

At the beginning of August 2024, the Board of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) awarded the School of Management at OST the AACSB seal of approval. This decision follows the recommendation of the international review team that accompanied OST intensively over several years on the path to accreditation. «To date, only 1,036 business schools have received AACSB accreditation, representing just six percent of business schools worldwide. With AACSB accreditation, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) has earned a quality certificate for its business programs that is recognized at the highest international level,» says President Prof. Dr. Daniel Seelhofer.

Seal of Approval Enhances Career Prospects

The AACSB accreditation is a crucial step for OST to further sharpen its profile as the most transfer-oriented university of applied sciences in Switzerland through its School of Management. The AACSB seal also brings significant benefits to the graduates of our business programs. «Because the label is recognized and valued worldwide, career prospects are greatly enhanced,» adds Thomas Metzger. «A central mission of the School of Management is to offer our students study programs with attractive prospects, preparing them optimally for their future roles in companies or organizations. We also aim to be a reliable partner for research projects and consulting services for companies and organizations in the Eastern Switzerland region. Our mission statement and strategy are consistently aligned with this goal. The AACSB accreditation process has helped us to further improve our content, structures, and processes,» explains Prof. Thomas Metzger.

AACSB - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) was founded in 1916 and, as a non-profit organization, is today the most important accreditation institute for business schools. To date, 1,036 business schools have been accredited worldwide, 179 of them in Europe. AACSB ensures that accredited institutes offer academic education and training at the highest level. Accredited business schools must therefore consistently meet criteria that guarantee high-quality education management and research. The organization is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA. www.aacsb.edu

OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences

OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences is the university of applied sciences of six Eastern Swiss cantons as well as the Principality of Liechtenstein. With around 3,800 students in six schools, 1,500 professionals undergoing their executive education and around 1,000 current research projects, we are the educational hub of the region and beyond. OST combines a tradition of education and research spanning over 170 years. www.ost.ch

For inquiries:

• Prof. Thomas Metzger, Dean of the School of Management, +41 58 257 17 20, thomas.metzger@ost.ch
• Michael Breu, Corporate Communications OST, +41 58 257 44 66, michael.breu@ost.ch