LA PLATA, Md. — Members of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs toured the College of Southern Maryland in February to reaffirm the college’s high academic standards for its business programs.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits collegiate business programs. Its members evaluate program academic criteria and quality, faculty credentials, and college resources to ensure rigorous standards and a commitment to high quality education.
Credit: College of Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland is seeking reaccreditation for its Accounting, Business Administration, and Business Management degree programs. The process confirms that these programs continue to meet national benchmarks for excellence in business education.
Tony Stout, Interim Dean of the School of STEM and Professional Studies, emphasized the importance of reaccreditation.
“Accreditation assures students that they are receiving a high-quality education designed to prepare them for successful futures,” said Tony Stout, Interim Dean of the School of STEM and Professional Studies. “This is an important process in maintaining the high standards at CSM and gives students the confidence that their academic investment is well spent.”
Over the past year, CSM faculty and program leaders prepared for a two-day site visit from ACBSP representatives, who reviewed and evaluated the college. The preparation involved compiling detailed documentation on curriculum, student outcomes, faculty qualifications, and support services.
During the visit, representatives met with CSM leaders, reviewed records and transcripts, and toured the La Plata campus, including the Center for Teaching and Learning, Library, Math Resource Center, and Writing Center. These facilities play key roles in supporting student success across business courses and related studies.
Dr. Kandace Foreman, Interim Business Department Chair, reflected on the preparations required for the reaccreditation.
“I’m proud of our dedicated faculty and staff who worked countless hours preparing for this reaccreditation visit,” she said. “Their hard work reflects the ongoing support they provide our students, helping them become confident, capable, and successful students.”
The evaluation process focuses on ensuring that business programs deliver rigorous academic content and practical skills. Faculty credentials are examined to confirm instructors bring relevant expertise to the classroom. College resources are assessed to verify that students have access to the tools and support needed for strong learning outcomes.
CSM business programs were first accredited by ACBSP in 1995 and must go through a reaffirmation cycle every ten years. This cycle allows the college to demonstrate continued improvement and adherence to high standards established by the accrediting body.
The two-day site visit represents a critical step in the reaffirmation process. ACBSP representatives use the time on campus to verify information provided in self-study reports and to observe how programs operate in practice. Meetings with leaders provide insight into strategic planning for business education. Reviews of records and transcripts allow evaluators to assess student progress and program effectiveness. Campus tours highlight the physical and technological resources available to support learning.
The College of Southern Maryland expects to receive a response for this cycle in the next six months. The decision will determine whether accreditation is reaffirmed for the Accounting, Business Administration, and Business Management programs.
Reaccreditation holds significant value for current and future students. It signals that the programs maintain quality consistent with national expectations. Students can pursue degrees with assurance that their coursework aligns with industry needs and prepares them for career advancement or further education.
Faculty and staff dedication during the preparation phase underscores the college’s commitment to continuous improvement. The effort ensures that business programs remain relevant and effective in serving the student population. The site visit allows external experts to validate those internal efforts through direct observation and review.
This reaffirmation process fits into the broader mission of the College of Southern Maryland to deliver accessible, high-quality education. By maintaining ACBSP accreditation, the institution strengthens its reputation for business programs that meet rigorous standards. Students benefit from programs that have undergone thorough external validation.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs sets criteria that emphasize measurable student learning, qualified faculty, and adequate resources. CSM’s participation in the cycle demonstrates its alignment with those criteria. The February visit provided evaluators an opportunity to see these elements in action across the La Plata campus.
As the college awaits the official response, the successful completion of the site visit marks a positive milestone. It reflects the collective work of faculty, staff, and administrators to uphold excellence in business education. The process reinforces student confidence in the value of their academic experience at CSM.