What are AACSB Business Schools?

In the simplest of terms, AACSB business schools are universities that offer business degree programs and have met a stringent set of requirements which reflects the quality of their education. AACSB International is an accrediting body created in 1916, originally as a membership organization for business schools. Members of AACSB International could come together to network and discuss the industry of business education and any issues they would encounter. By 1919, the this organization created the first standards for AACSB accreditation, and they have been evolving ever since. Ultimately, AACSB business schools are considered the upper echelon of business colleges, and graduates of these programs tend to reap the rewards in their careers that follow.

What do AACSB Business Schools Need to Get Accredited?

AACSB business schools must meet a strict set of standards to obtain initial accreditation. These schools are then reviewed every 5 years to ensure they still meet all of the necessary requirements in order to maintain their accreditation. All business schools are rated on the same factors, but business schools that offer an accounting degree program can elect to also achieve AACSB accounting accreditation. To become accredited, schools must first be members of AACSB International and must offer degree programs in business or management. If they meet these and other eligibility requirements, they will then be reviewed in the following areas:

• The qualifications, development, and involvement of the faculty
• The design and effectiveness of the curriculum
• The nature, effectiveness and resources needed and used for instructional and learning purposes
• The academic preparation and capabilities of entering students
• The processes in place to plan, assess, and assure quality
• The intellectual contributions of the faculty

What Makes AACSB Business Schools Unique?

Beyond being reviewed on the standards listed above, AACSB schools have to prove a dedication to diversity and student growth. These schools have to continually work to help students improve and fulfill their goals as well as grow culturally in a program focused on diversity. This prepares students for the real world of business and is often why employees prefer an AACSB business school graduate over those that graduate from a school without this accreditation. AACSB schools must foster a collegiate setting, which supports the engagement of students, faculty, staff, and the business community in the educational process. Accreditation helps to guide a university on the right path, which is what helps make AACSB business schools stand out from the rest.

Beyond facing a review every 5 years, AACSB business schools also have to provide data to AACSB International on a yearly basis, to check in and ensure they are living up to the high standards of this accrediting body.

Clearly there are a great deal of factors that go into earning AACSB accreditation, which is why so many business-minded individuals search AACSB schools when looking to attend a business degree program. To learn more about what makes an AACSB school so special, review the full list of AACSB standards broken up by business programs and accounting programs.