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Overview Those considering graduate business school should recognize that there are two types of accreditation: regional and professional. Colleges and universities are accredited by regional accrediting bodies such as the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA or "North Central"). Regional bodies do not accredit individual programs such as Education, Chemistry or Business. This is done by specialized accrediting bodies, in the case of business schools, by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). A prospective business student hearing or reading that a school is "fully accredited" should investigate further. Which agencies have accredited the school? Is the business program accredited? By whom? Value of AACSB Accreditation The AACSB is one of the most prestigious and rigorous accrediting bodies in higher education. Kent State University's College of Business Administration and Graduate School of Management first earned AACSB accreditation in 1964. Fewer than one-fourth of the nation's 1,200 business programs have earned AACSB accreditation. Kent is among this exclusive group of business schools. Faculty AACSB business schools must comply with strict standards in regard to the use of full-time faculty members who are academically qualified (typically possessing the Ph.D. or J.D.) or professionally qualified (in addition to a graduate degree, also possessing many years of highly responsible managerial or executive experience). AACSB accreditation attracts high quality faculty and staff who often seek positions only with AACSB programs. Periodic Reviews AACSB business schools are required to engage in a process of periodic self evaluation of accomplishments and establish means of measurement for continuous improvement. After this process, the business school dean is obligated to have external reviewers (typically business school deans, corporate executives, and directors of accounting programs) assess the quality of the programs and conduct an on-site review. AACSB business schools must meet specific standards with regard to the following areas:
Some of the most competitive companies are aware of business schools who hold AACSB accreditation. These companies only recruit prospective employees at AACSB accredited schools. AACSB schools generate greater internships, cooperative programs, permanent job opportunities, team projects and networking opportunities. Lastly, AACSB provides a network for the latest information on employer needs, program innovations, academic and workforce issues and environmental scanning mechanisms that enable us to provide graduate and undergraduate educational opportunities that are relevant and timely. AACSB: Why it matters to you In essence, AACSB accreditation keeps a business school honest. It forces the school to keep reviewing and improving itself, meeting the needs of its stakeholders (especially students), upgrading its facilities, technology and equipment, and assuring a current and relevant education. It engages the faculty and staff in a process of lifelong learning so the education offered remains at the cutting edge. For more elaboration on AACSB accrediting standards, contact the Graduate School of Management at Kent State University or visit the AACSB Website at http://www.aacsb.edu.
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