Anglo-American University in Prague New AAU Programs Accredited by Czech National Accreditation Authority
Two recently launched programs at Anglo-American University (AAU) have been accredited for the first time by the National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education (NABHE), the Czech Republic’s independent authority for quality assurance in higher education, while two existing programs have had their accreditations extended for another five years.
The newly accredited programs, the Bachelor of Arts in International and European Legal Studies and the Master of Arts in International Business and Policy, are set to welcome their first cohort of students in the fall 2025 semester. The programs with extended accreditation, the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, are now formally approved by the Bureau through April 15, 2030.
Accreditation by the NABHE entails a comprehensive external review of a program’s goals, curriculum, teaching methodologies, and assessment strategies, signalling that it meets the rigorous academic and institutional standards set by Czech legislation and is aligned with the principles of the broader European Higher Education Area.
According to Jiří Schwarz, dean of the School of Business:
“For students, accreditation is crucial as it assures that their education is recognized and respected globally. It can impact eligibility for scholarships, financial aid, and transfer of credits to other institutions. Moreover, employers often prefer or require degrees from accredited programs, as it reflects a certain standard of knowledge and competence. In essence, accreditation enhances the value of the degree, providing students with better career prospects and academic opportunities.”
Dr. George Hays, II, interim dean of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy, concurred, emphasizing that an accredited program is one that is “certified in its academic worth,” providing clear evidence of the knowledge and skills a student has attained.
This distinction underscores the importance of accreditation, not only in meeting national and European standards but in delivering a meaningful, verifiable education that equips students with discipline-specific knowledge and transferable skills, something reflected in the content and structure of the four programs in question.
The BA in Business Administration explores core areas of economics, finance, marketing, management, and operations, while incorporating business law, ethics, and data analysis into the curriculum. Students gain a foundational understanding of the social, technological, and environmental contexts in which modern businesses operate, and develop relevant skills through coursework in AI literacy, digital business practices, and internship opportunities.
Angel Muniz Reyna, a 2024 graduate of the B.A. in Business Administration: Economics and Finance concentration, shared:
“This program gave me more than just academic knowledge, it equipped me with a global perspective and practical skills I now apply in my current professional role…What I appreciated most was the program’s international scope, which prepared me to navigate today’s interconnected business world…Now, the NABHE recognition reinforces the value of my experience and makes me feel more proud of my degree.”
The BA in International Relations combines political theory, international law, history, and diplomacy. Students examine international systems through both theoretical and case-based perspectives, with a focus on regional and institutional dynamics, providing them with both broad context and specialized knowledge in global affairs.
Daniel Gardner, a 2023 graduate of the program and current M.A. student in International Relations at AAU, commented:
“During my time in the program, the quality of the education was already quite high and evident. To have this quality [again] recognized by a prestigious, external body like the National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education here in Czechia is a beautiful confirmation of what was already known.”
Among the newly accredited programs, the BA in International and European Legal Studies focuses on the relationship between law, governance, and international affairs. The program introduces students to legal reasoning and provides instruction in the complex workings of both EU and international legal systems, making it an excellent option for students interested in legal studies from a global perspective.
At the graduate level, the MA in International Business and Policy integrates business strategy with analysis of global economic and regulatory systems. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary, project-based approach, the program equips students to navigate the intersection of business leadership and international policymaking, and can be completed in just one calendar year.
In addition to NABHE accreditation, the BA in Business Administration and the BA in International Relations programs are accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the United States, with WSCUC accreditation of the two new programs pending but fully expected in the near future.
Accreditation by both bodies serves as a positive indicator of the university’s ongoing efforts to uphold high academic standards and to develop programs in response to the evolving demands of students and the international job market. For those seeking to study abroad while earning an officially recognized, English-language degree in the heart of Europe, AAU answers the need.
As Dr. Hays put it:
“We are a small school [but one] with a demonstrated record of excellence. Our academic design and instruction is purposefully built to give you the skills and ability to achieve what you want to achieve…and…everything you need to define and empower yourself.”
