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Just as students seek a degree to prove that they have undergone a course of study, so do colleges and universities seek certifications to verify their status as purveyors of academic excellence. Accreditation is just that sort of certification. In fact, accreditation is of vital importance for any academic program. MBA degree (and certificate) programs have their own special credentialing agencies, such as the AACSB, the ACBSP and the IACBE.
When students seek out an online MBA program, they need the sort of assurance that accreditation brings. When they find that an MBA program holds either an AACSB or ACBSP credential, they can be assured that their degree will open doors with employers nationwide. In fact, many people may have no idea about these credentialing agencies, but they will recognize the MBA programs for their reputations of excellence.
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Why Schools Need Accrediation
Accreditation is a credentialing process for higher education institutions, ensuring they meet certain standards. While not mandatory, non-accredited schools are generally less respected, and their degrees may not transfer or be valued as highly by employers.
Accredited schools can receive different levels of recognition, such as regional accreditation from CHEA-approved agencies or nationally recognized accreditation. For MBA programs, two main accrediting bodies are the AACSB and ACBSP. Schools with nationally recognized accreditation have degrees respected by employers across the country.
Better accreditation attracts more competitive students, who often go on to succeed in business, reinforcing the institution's prestige and accreditation.
What Does Accreditation Do for Students
Accreditation is a key factor to consider in an MBA program, as it means the program has been audited by an independent agency. This audit evaluates admissions, graduation rates, faculty, and curriculum to ensure students receive valuable, relevant education.
Accrediting agencies also assess schools' admission standards and retention rates. Schools with competitive admissions and low attrition rates are more likely to maintain their accreditation, while high dropout rates can result in downgrading or loss of accreditation.
For MBA students, accreditation ensures they are surrounded by motivated peers and taught by top faculty, enhancing the value of their degree. Additionally, employers with tuition reimbursement programs often favor MBA programs with national accreditation (such as AACSB or ACBSP) over regional ones, offering better reimbursement packages for these programs.
What are the Types of Accreditation?
There are two main types of academic accreditation: institutional and program-specific. Most schools have regional accreditation, which covers the entire institution and is granted by a CHEA-approved agency. This is a minimum standard for students to look for.
Regional accrediting agencies include the following:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges(ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission(HLC)
- New England Commission of Higher Education(NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities(NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges(SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission(WSCUC)
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Graduate students should ensure their program has regional accreditation, but they should also seek MBA programs with national or international accreditation for added value. For business degrees you'll want AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE accreditation. These accrediting agencies focus specifically on business programs from the community college level through master's business degree levels. National accreditation from agencies ensure that an MBA program meets high standards of business education, offering credentials recognized by employers nationwide.
The IACBE, an international accreditation body, is recognized globally, making it ideal for MBA students pursuing international careers or those looking to work overseas. These programs may also attract international students who wish to apply their knowledge abroad.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the oldest accrediting agency for U.S. business schools. With over a century of maintaining high standards, it is considered the gold standard for MBA and business school accreditation. Despite its long tenure, the AACSB has adapted to changes in technology and the business world.
Founded in 1916, the AACSB emerged when business degree programs were still new. As such, it focuses on traditional aspects of business scholarship, emphasizing faculty research and credentials. The AACSB prioritizes business theories and how MBA programs advance such research.
The AACSB maintains high standards, and any MBA program with their accreditation is worth considering. They monitor key aspects of certified programs, such as faculty workload. If a school's standards are higher than those of similar programs, the workload may be seen as too heavy. In addition to reviewing numbers, the AACSB interviews faculty to ensure they have enough time for teaching, advising, and research.
The AACSB is not concerned with faculty teaching non-business courses in an MBA program, even in interdisciplinary programs. They focus solely on the quality of business instruction. Additionally, they do not typically consider teaching assistants unless they have extraordinary responsibilities.
The AACSB accredits undergraduate, MBA, and other business programs, including accounting programs. This organization also accredits traditional and online business degree programs. Any program that holds their certification should be considered to be among the very best business schools available anywhere.
Top 75 AACSB Ranked MBA Programs and Best By StateAccreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Founded in 1988, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) emerged when only a few business programs were accredited, mostly by the AACSB. Recognizing the changing business climate, they developed new accreditation standards to better meet the needs of students and businesses.
The ACBSP focuses its accreditation on results, prioritizing a professor's teaching effectiveness over research. While traditionalists may find this approach concerning, students who value learning and long-term outcomes will appreciate it. For example, a working businessperson might teach an MBA class using real-world business cases instead of scholarly research. The ACBSP also evaluates graduates' success in the business community, preferring to see them achieve standing there rather than in academia.
The ACBSP recognizes that business schools must prepare students for long-term success in business, with a focus on outcomes and tangible results. Their accreditation covers all levels of post-secondary education, from associate degrees to MBA programs, including MBA Accounting programs. The ACBSP has also expanded to certify business certificate programs, allowing students to enhance their resumes without completing a full master's degree.
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Given the ACBSP's focus on outcomes and real-world efficacy, they have evolved to meet current needs. Thus, students in online business programs, including executive MBA programs, can receive a degree certified by the agency. They also work with hybrid and interdisciplinary business degree programs.
Top 75 ACBSP Ranked MBA Programs and Best By StateInternational Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) extends accreditation globally, applying its standards to business programs from associate degrees to PhDs. Since 2011, the IACBE has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for excellence in business school accreditation.
Founded in 1997, the IACBE was created to address the needs of mission-driven, outcomes-based business schools that lacked accreditation. It also aimed to provide recognition for business programs outside the U.S. Today, the IACBE has accredited over 1,000 business programs worldwide.
Like the ACBSP, the IACBE focuses on long-term outcomes for students. During accreditation, schools conduct a self-examination, followed by an independent team of peer reviewers. The IACBE's Board of Commissioners then reviews all materials and makes the final decision.
Why Might a School Choose ACBSP over AACSB Accreditation?
While the AACSB is considered the gold standard for MBA accreditation, an ACBSP accreditation is also highly valued. Many students may prefer ACBSP-approved programs, as its standards are often more aligned with their priorities.
The ACBSP focuses on teaching, learning, and long-term outcomes. Today's business students are typically more interested in practical skills for success than in business theory. With ACBSP accreditation, students can be confident that professors are evaluated on more than just their research, ensuring effective teaching alongside academic expertise.
Which Type Should You Choose?
Choosing between accreditations can be tough. To simplify, students should consider their long-term MBA goals. If they're focused on academic research and business theory, an AACSB-accredited program might be the best fit. However, students aiming to quickly enter the business world and become successful CEOs might prefer an ACBSP-accredited program, which emphasizes practical teaching and professional outcomes.
Students should first research programs based on courses, concentrations, and reputation. Speaking with alumni can offer valuable insights into how graduates have fared. After narrowing down their options, it’s worth considering the accreditation. Ultimately, the right program is more about what students want to achieve than the specific accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in focus between accrediting agencies?
The AACSB spends more time focusing on the professor’s work than the ACBSP. The ACBSP tends to focus more on the effectiveness of the teaching rather than how busy the professors are. They also emphasize teaching rather than research. Thus, this might be the way to go if you are more worried about the long-term results of your education rather than the workload of your professor.
Is one more valid than the other?
Honestly, that’s up to you as the student. Each one indicates strong academics from the institution that they accredit. One of these is older than the other and might receive more name recognition, though the younger of the two has now been around since the 80s, so that’s less of an issue than it used to be. Knowing their different areas of focus, research vs results, may help you decide which one is for you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that one is better than the other.
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