Accredited MBA Programs: Why Accreditation is Important
Accredited MBA schools can be more selective in the teachers that they hire, the students they enroll, the courses they teach and the curriculum that they follow. Accreditation ensures that your teachers are among the best and brightest in their field and that you will learn useful information that is relevant in today's business world.
MBA schools receive their accreditation through AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) or other regional accrediting programs. Universities that receive MBA accreditation undergo an extensive peer review that pushes them to strive for quality and continued improvement. Attending an accredited program gives you the peace of mind that you are receiving a quality education.
However, boosting your employability isn't the only benefit of attending an accredited MBA school. If you decide to further your education with a PhD, many programs require that you receive your MBA from an accredited program. Financing your education will also be easier if you attend an accredited school, since most financial aid programs will offer assistance only to students of accredited MBA programs.
Why an Accredited MBA Program
An MBA degree does not necessarily translate into getting a good job. In the business world, employers are looking for graduates of accredited programs with outstanding track records. They want their employees to have a wide range of knowledge and a quality education.
Accreditation Programs
In the U.S., accreditation comes from private groups rather than the government. Here are some trusted accrediting agencies:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – National
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) - National
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) - Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) - California, Hawaii and the Pacific Basin
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC-CIHE) - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC) - Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming
- Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) - Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah Washington
Campus vs. Online MBA Accreditation
AACSB, perhaps the most widely known and respected MBA accrediting agency, focuses mainly on campus accreditation. However, they also do some online accreditation. According to AACSB, only 30 percent of MBA programs receive their accreditation.
Online programs are mostly accredited by regional accrediting agencies. The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) is the largest accrediting agency of online programs; however, it also has the least significance of the MBA accrediting agencies. Online programs with regional or AACSB accreditation are preferable.
Do your research, and make sure that your MBA program is accredited either regionally or nationally. Beware of online programs with no accreditation, as some are little more than diploma mills, meaning they offer diplomas for little to no course work or effort on the student's part. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Invest in Your Future with an Accredited MBA Program
Researching MBA accreditation is an important step in choosing the right program. Otherwise, you may end up wasting valuable time and money. Graduating from an accredited MBA program will give both you and your future employers the assurance that you've gained the knowledge and skills to become a vital part of the workforce.
