Guide to AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs

Accreditation may not be mandatory for MBAs, but it can help students find high-quality programs and help graduates compete in the job market. Among the various types of MBA accreditation, recognition from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) stands out as the gold standard.

As many organizations expand internationally, they need skilled leaders who can manage the challenges and opportunities that come with this new territory. MBA programs with AACSB accreditation meet the highest standards for globally focused business education, signaling high quality to students and prospective employers.

Learn more about AACSB accreditation with this in-depth guide.

What Is AACSB Accreditation?

The AACSB was founded in 1916 with 14 U.S. member institutions to standardize the curriculum and faculty training requirements for business education. More than 100 years later, the association has grown to over 1,900 member organizations and 1,000 accredited schools worldwide.

With less than 6% of business schools holding AACSB accreditation, many employers value an education from an AACSB-accredited school. This type of programmatic accreditation provides quality assurance for students.

To receive AACSB accreditation, schools must meet the standards in the following areas:

• Strategic planning
• Physical, virtual, and financial resources
• Faculty and professional staff resources
• Curriculum
• Assurances of learning
• Learner progression
• Teaching effectiveness and impact
• Impact of scholarship
• Engagement and societal impact

Which Business Programs Receive AACSB Accreditation?

The AACSB focuses on graduate-level business degrees — particularly MBA programs — but offers business school accreditation at all levels. You can find AACSB-accredited programs in various disciplines, including general business, accounting, and operations management.

Here are some other accredited program types:

• Finance: Finance MBAs typically cover financial management theory and practical financial tools. Topics may include risk management, corporate finance, and compliance.
• Marketing: Marketing programs explore brand management, communications, market research, and analytics. You can learn to develop and deploy marketing strategies and use various digital marketing technologies.
• International Business: This program focuses on global business development and management strategies for multinational organizations. Available study topics include international business law, networking, and marketing.
• Human Resources Management: In HR management programs, enrollees learn to develop and support the employees and culture within an organization. Assignments cover topics like employment law, resource planning, recruitment and staffing, and training and development.
• Supply Chain and Logistics: This program explores how to make supply chains more efficient, productive, and sustainable. The courses may include operations planning, supply chain analytics and forecasting, and logistics network design.

Why Get an AACSB-Accredited Online MBA?

What Can You Expect From an AACSB Online MBA?

In general, accredited and non-accredited MBA programs comprise 30-60 credits and take two years to complete.

Though not unique among graduate-level business programs, AACSB-accredited MBA curriculums tend to feature the following components:

• Focus on making a positive societal impact in leadership positions
• Emphasis on global business, trends, and practices
• Current and relevant theories and practices
• Emerging technologies and innovation
• Experiential learning and practical application opportunities
• Encouragement for lifelong learning
• Professional and academic engagement opportunities with peers and instructors
• Prioritize creative thinking, problem-solving, and quality decision-making

To ensure that students can manage the rigor of the program, AACSB-accredited MBAs may feature more demanding admission requirements, such as higher minimum GPA and GMAT test scores.

How Much Do AACSB Online MBAs Cost?

Many factors affect the cost of an MBA, including school and program type, prestige, and location. On top of tuition, you have fees for class materials and facilities, along with travel and room and board costs.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average MBA costs $56,850. That's about $15,000 more than the average graduate program, per the National Center for Education Statistics. However, online MBA programs can lead to savings on travel, relocation, and out-of-state tuition.

Even the prestigious AACSB-accredited online MBA programs in public and private schools may feature lower-than-average tuition prices.

Still, paying for an education can be difficult, so you may want to explore your financial aid options. By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you could qualify for low-interest federal loans and need-based grants. A completed FAFSA may also be required for state, school, and third-party merit scholarships, including specialized MBA scholarships.

Is AACSB the Only Accreditation for MBA Degrees?

AACSB accreditation is not the only type of accreditation available for MBA degrees — colleges and their departments can receive various types of institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Institutional accreditation comes from organizations approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation process evaluates a school's governance, programs, faculty, and student outcomes, among other things. Schools need institutional accreditation to offer federal financial aid and widely transferable credits.

Programmatic accreditation, awarded by industry organizations like the AACSB, applies to specific programs that meet the standards of the accrediting body. For MBA programs, programmatic accreditation may come from the AACSB, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

How Do You Choose an AACSB-Accredited MBA Degree?

Picking the right MBA will require research and self-reflection. Look for a program that accommodates your unique needs and supports your future goals. Here are some considerations that can help you choose a quality MBA:

• Program Format: Review the course schedule and delivery method to make sure it aligns with your work/home life and learning needs.
• Curriculum: Choose a program that offers the courses and specializations that interest you most. You can also research the available internships and seminars.
• Extracurricular Opportunities: Many MBA programs offer value outside the classes, such as networking opportunities, mentorship programs, business workshops, and innovation accelerators.
• Faculty Credentials: Research the teachers you will be learning from and see if their professional interests match yours.
• Admission Requirements: While you must ensure you can meet the minimum admission requirements, programs with open admission policies may not offer the level of competitiveness you're looking for.

More Questions About Online MBAs and the AACSB

Page last reviewed July 4, 2024.