National recognition of the excellence of accounting at UAB came in 1973 when the undergraduate program received accreditation by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. This is the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. 1973 was the first year for accreditation of accounting programs, and UAB was in the initial group of only 17 schools in the nation so recognized. In April of 2002, the accounting program received reaffirmation of this high standard. The M.Ac. program later received accreditation, making UAB one of three Alabama schools holding separate accounting accreditation.