If you have researched business degrees in the USA, you will notice that universities often advertise their accreditation information — and that business programs are particularly proud to share their Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation.
So why are AACSB-accredited business degrees important for international students to consider?
What is accreditation and why is it important?
Accreditation is an “official certification that a school or degree program has met standards set by external regulators” (Oxforddictionaries.com). Basically, it’s a credential that proves a university or academic program fulfills a core set of education or training metrics.
In the USA, the government does not accredit universities or degree programs. Instead, it publishes a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies that it considers to be reliable authorities on educational quality.
Why is AACSB accreditation so highly valued?
AACSB is known for its very high standards. AACSB has accredited business programs for almost 100 years (and accounting programs for over 35 years) and requires universities to go through a very rigorous application process.
Achieving AACSB accreditation isn’t easy, and it typically can take between 3 to 7 years to complete. Fewer than 5% of the 15,000+ business programs worldwide have received AACSB accreditation, making it a very elite group.
When granting accreditation, AACSB looks for evidence that a university or program:
- Operates ethically and possesses adequate financial resources
- Has clear admissions, progression and faculty hiring standards
- Offers a robust and challenging curriculum
- Provides effective career development
- Demonstrates a commitment to innovation and contributing new knowledge to the field of business studies
Below, Neil Braun, former Dean of the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, spoke with AACSB about the importance of accreditation, and how Pace University helps its students prepare for a competitive marketplace.
What does an AACSB-accredited degree mean for you?
AACSB accreditation is recognized worldwide as a guarantee of a high-quality degree.
Top global companies and other universities love it. In fact, some employers only hire graduates of AACSB-accredited universities. Many MBA and other graduate business programs also prefer applicants who have received an undergraduate degree from an AACSB-accredited program.
According to AACSB, graduates of a degree accredited by AACSB attract higher salary offers and have access to more employers.
Learn more about our AACSB-accredited partner universities in the USA
Earning a business degree from an AACSB-accredited university in the USA provides many benefits, from increased prestige in the job market to enhanced professional skill building. Our AACSB-accredited US university partners are:
Start your path
At Kaplan, we can help you apply to a university in the USA so you can follow your path to a successful career in business.
