AACSB Accreditation

AACSB Accreditation

AACSB accreditation is generally considered the "best" or highest form of business school accreditation. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has been around since 1916 and accredits business schools and programs all over the world.

While AACSB is always given high marks, what is the true value? Is an MBA from an AACSB accredited business school better than an MBA from a non-AACSB accredited business school?

Try posing this question to someone at Harvard University versus someone at the University of Phoenix. No doubt, you would likely see opposing viewpoints.

In a similar vein, try posing this question to a business professor versus a business owner. Again, you will likely see differing opinions. It all boils down to what your point of view is and what “better” means.

AACSB Pros:

The AASCB accreditation is arguably the most recognized and sought after business school accreditation around. Business schools such as Harvard, Stanford, and other well-known schools hold this accreditation. Having this accreditation puts a business school of any size in good company.

By the same token, receiving a degree from a school that is AASCB accredited is very favorable in the academic environment. For example, there is an increased acceptance of credits and degrees between AACSB accredited schools. This is good for undergraduates looking to graduate school or MBA graduates looking for a Doctorate degree.

When I applied for the MBA program at SUU, my business core requirement was satisfied automatically because I had an undergraduate degree from an AACSB accredited school.

AACSB Cons:

The AACSB accreditation has more weight in the academic world than in the business world. Has the average employer ever heard of AACSB? I am not sure many employers really understand accreditation at all. In this sense, the AACSB accreditation does not make for a more marketable degree.

I received my MBA from Southern Utah University (AACSB accredited). Am I more marketable that my friend with an MBA from the University of Phoenix (no business school accreditation at all)? I would say no. And so would all the businesses that are employing people like my friend.

True Value of AACSB:

AACSB accreditation is not required for marketability in the business world. However, it certainly does not hurt to have it. It is definitely a good thing to have the same business school accreditation as the likes of Harvard.

The true value of the AACSB accreditation is the higher level of quality that it promotes in the business school. Accreditation through the AACSB is rigorous and intensive. The sheer fact that the accreditation process is undertaken shows the commitment to quality by a business school. This can only be good for both the business school and the student.

I have to admit that AACSB accreditation was a major consideration when I was looking for an MBA program. In fact, I went through this same process of weighing the pros and cons before I chose a program. I decided that AACSB would be nice but was not required.

I should note that our business school at SUU was undergoing the final stages of AACSB accreditation the year I was admitted. I actually got to be involved with this process, including participation as a student in the meeting with the AACSB auditors. The SUU School of Business did achieve AACSB accreditation in April of 2006. My class was the first to have an AACSB accredited MBA degree!

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