MSSU Master of Science in Management receives accreditation

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Master of Science in Management program offered through Missouri Southern State University’s College of Business has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

“The ACBSP is highly recognized in business schools,” said Dr. Tom Schmidt, associate dean and MSM coordinator. “Academically, it’s a big plus for us.

“This program was started in 2016, and you have to have at least three years of data before they will consider it. We revamped the program in the fall of 2020, and we waited until that was in place before going up for accreditation.”

Schmidt said the accreditation process meant setting out the learning goals for the master’s program and documenting that each of those goals was being met.

When it launched, the Master of Science in Management program was offered in a hybrid format – a mix of in-person and online classes. Today, the degree is offered entirely online in eight-week terms, allowing students to obtain the degree in as little as 12 months. And while it previously relied on adjunct faculty, it is now taught entirely by full-time faculty members.

“Another thing that’s unique is that it is designed for non-business majors,” said Schmidt.

“For instance, if an arts and sciences major now finds themselves in a position where they are a business manager. There are no prerequisites. Someone who has never taken a business course can start right now.”