Stetson University’s School of Business Administration has been named one of the nation’s “Best 294 Business Schools” in a new guidebook released Oct. 11 by The Princeton Review.

The education services company compiles its guidebook of top business schools annually based on input from more than 19,000 students in Master of Business Administration programs accredited by AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, as well as statistical data received from the institutions.

The new 2012 edition of the book, “The Best 294 Business Schools,” includes a profile of Stetson’s School of Business Administration that includes information on academics, student life and environment, the admissions process, statistical data and career placement services. Students highlighted Stetson’s small class size, personalized education, accessible and supportive faculty, modern facilities, flexible schedules for working professionals, and global focus, including opportunities to study business abroad during short or semester-long trips.

It highlights Stetson’s traditional MBA, Executive MBA and accelerated MBA/Juris Doctor (law) degrees. The profile notes the proximity of the university’s Central Florida campuses in DeLand and Gulfport/St. Petersburg and satellite center in Celebration to metropolitan areas including Orlando, Daytona Beach and Tampa Bay.

“Stetson University’s School of Business Administration graduate programs are designed to bring post-graduate professional academics to the highest level,” said Dean of Business Administration Stuart Michelson. “Designed for both current and future business professionals, the curricula are focused on the real-world challenges and opportunities facing businesses today.

“The graduate faculty is committed to delivering the highest quality instruction in an active-learning, engaged environment. Small class sizes and professors who provide insight and an academic focus are key features of the Stetson experience,” Michelson said. “The international focus of our curriculum prepares the business professional to succeed in today’s rapidly changing global business environment.”

The Princeton Review profile on Stetson includes comments directly from students. “The atmosphere is collaborative, as most students are also ‘interested in diversifying their skills in both business and networking,’” the guidebook said. “For professionals the atmosphere is supportive, and students find they ‘can relate with classmates, since many also have full-time jobs.’”

It also notes that many students come to Stetson’s graduate business program after completing their undergraduate degree at the university. “Indeed, Stetson’s graduate programs retain many of the qualities—like intimacy and friendliness—that define the undergraduate experience,” the profile said, quoting surveyed students. “A particular advantage, the Stetson MBA is a relatively small program, giving students excellent access to their professors, and an emphasis on ‘one-on-one discussions.’ Even more importantly, ‘the professors are excellent and outstanding mentors on campus,’ providing insight and support to their students. While many professors are accomplished professionals, they are ‘dedicated to the educational services, not busy with their own research.’”

Of the more than 13,000 business schools worldwide, Stetson’s School of Business Administration is one of only 177 that hold AACSB accreditation in the fields of business and accounting – and one of only 37 private colleges and universities that hold the accreditation in both fields.

The Stetson business school offers a wide range of majors in its undergraduate business program, as well as a number of master’s programs. In addition to the traditional MBA, the School of Business Administration offers an Executive MBA, the Master of Accountancy degree (both in class and online), a joint Juris Doctor (law)/MBA degree in conjunction with the Stetson University College of Law and a dual degree Master of Science in Pharmacy and MBA in conjunction with partner school, the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.

Both the JD/MBA and MSP/MBA programs allow a student to complete two master’s level degrees in approximately three years of study. A collaboration between the university’s business and music schools allows a student to earn both an undergraduate music degree and an MBA in five years.

See Stetson’s profile in “The Best 294 Business Schools,” or see the full report at www.PrincetonReview.com.