Everyone,

Just one quick thought in regards to AACSB accreditation: There's a big difference between an institution being a member of a group like AACSB, and being accredited by the AACSB.

Any collegiate institutions offering baccalaureate or graduate degree programs in business administration, management or accounting can apply for AACSB membership. In many cases it is the first step to becoming accredited, so I imagine membership is always encouraged.

However, membership is not a guarantee for accreditation. Although some member institutions are on the path to becoming accredited, it's always good to check the web site (AACSB.edu) to see if they've completed the process.

FYI, this isn't exclusive to the AACSB...other agencies (ex. ACBSP) function similarly, where they have member institutions that have not yet gained accreditation.

dhandlos wrote:
Everyone,

Just one quick thought in regards to AACSB accreditation: There's a big difference between an institution being a member of a group like AACSB, and being accredited by the AACSB.

Any collegiate institutions offering baccalaureate or graduate degree programs in business administration, management or accounting can apply for AACSB membership. In many cases it is the first step to becoming accredited, so I imagine membership is always encouraged.

However, membership is not a guarantee for accreditation. Although some member institutions are on the path to becoming accredited, it's always good to check the web site (AACSB.edu) to see if they've completed the process.

FYI, this isn't exclusive to the AACSB...other agencies (ex. ACBSP) function similarly, where they have member institutions that have not yet gained accreditation.

Hi David,

Great point!

It's true, any one can pay to be a "member," but being a member is not the same as being "accredited" by the AACSB. Two very different processes.

Our researchers always check carefully for this issue. Every online graduate business school in our online degree database is coded or marked as being AACSB accredited (or not).

People can use the FILTERS on the left of the online degree search tool to see ONLY AACSB accredited online MBAs, for example.

In cases where a school has "applied" for AACSB accreditation the filters will show them as AACSB with a Note in the notes section of the school profile if they are at the "candidate" stage.

Candidacy means that they are in the process of being accredited. There is always a "candidacy" period for any accreditation so we mark this note when appropriate on the business school profile.

Thanks for the tip! I've been confused by this issue in the past and I am sure most people don't realize the difference and only look as far as seeing AACSB on the web site.

Vicky

AACSB accreditation serves as a stamp of approval on fewer than 5 percent of the world's business schools, signifying that these schools have met certain accreditation requirements.