AACSB-Accredited MBA Programs: What It Means & Why It Matters

Most colleges and universities are accredited, first and foremost, by their regional accrediting bodies, such as Middles States. Above and beyond that, some schools have earned specialized accreditations for certain programs. When researching schools and programs of study, it is important to consider what those accreditations are and the importance and reputation they carry. One of the most respected accreditations for MBA programs and business schools globally is the AACSB accreditation because less than 5% of the world’s 13,000 business programs have earned this distinction.

What Is AACSB?

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) is one of the oldest accrediting bodies for business programs dating back to 1916 and with significant influence on shaping business school standards since the 1920s. This premier certification offers international
recognition for programs offered on a bachelor, master’s, and doctoral educational level.

Schools that have earned AACSB accreditation are required to follow certain standards to maintain high-quality business programs and to continuously innovate and improve those offerings. The prestige of AACSB accreditation is recognized by employers and educators worldwide and should be the first thing you look for in an MBA program.

How an MBA Program Becomes AACSB-Accredited

Achieving AACSB accreditation requires fulfilling various steps of a rigorous process that ensures that the school and the degrees it offers, including the MBA program, meet or exceed accreditation standards. According to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, one of the eligibility requirements is for the school to obtain local and regional accreditation. One such regional accrediting organization, for example, is the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, or Middle States, which encompasses states including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

After meeting this basic condition, a development plan that outlines principles of accreditation and strategies to fulfill these standards is put forth by the business school and implemented with the aid of AACSB mentors and committees. A review team of business school deans will then visit the school and evaluate the school’s progress and will send a recommendation for accreditation approval to the AACSB Initial Accreditation Committee and Board of Directors.

If the committee and board approve the recommendation, then the school is granted official AACSB accreditation for all of its business programs. This process is stringent, as development plans alone can take years to implement. Additionally, schools are expected to maintain these high standards for each of the accredited programs offered. The school and the programs are re-evaluated every five years to ensure quality education and fundamental requirements are continuously and consistently being met and improved upon.

Why AACSB Accreditation Matters

Being a part of an AACSB-accredited program matters to employers that know and respect the accolade and are seeking quality employees. The accreditation provides prospective employers with peace of mind, as they will know that they are hiring individuals who are equipped with a high-level education, and who require less training than an applicant without the same accredited experience.

Employers can also be confident that applicants have the dedication needed to see a project from start to finish, if they have completed an AACSB-accredited business program. Since the standards of the program are kept high, it is guaranteed that graduates of these programs have met and exceeded these standards.
Enrolling in an AACSB-accredited MBA program provides you with access to challenging work that’s compatible with today’s business environment.

You will also have access to stellar faculty members and quality career and academic connections, including:

• Business networking events.
• Business plan competitions.
• Career coaching.
• Academic support services through writing labs and tutoring services.

Academic work is designed to foster innovative thinking while encouraging interaction between peers and professors. Despite variations in technology and how the information is delivered, AACSB-accredited MBA programs are meant to highlight consistent, excellent curriculum for equivalent degree programs. To gain the best collegiate experience coupled with networking opportunities, adequate academic and career support, engaging activities, challenging curriculum, and networking opportunities, consider choosing an MBA program with AACSB accreditation.

The AACSB-Accredited MBA Program at Ramapo College

Accredited as one of the top quality AACSB business schools in New Jersey, Ramapo College’s part-time curriculum was designed for today’s working professional with a focus on leadership, critical thinking, international immersion and experiential learning and based on meeting the challenges of today’s ever-changing global economy.

Ramapo College MBA graduates lead lasting change that betters the world of business in meaningful ways, both big and small. The program seeks ambitious students, provides them with a strong, real-world based curriculum, and supports their advancement with career counseling and coaching services.

Categories: MBA