Choosing the right business school can be a daunting task. With so many schools to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? One factor to consider is accreditation. ACBSP accreditation is a sign that a school has met rigorous standards of quality and excellence in business education. So, if you’re looking for the best possible education, an accredited school is a good place to start. Here we’ll take a closer look at what ACBSP accreditation means and why it’s important. We’ll also highlight a few accredited schools to help you get started on your search.
What is ACBSP Accreditation?
The ACBSP is the world’s largest business education accreditation organization. It has certified programs on over 1100 campuses in 60 countries. The ACBSP accredits business schools and programs that offer degrees at all levels, including associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral.
To earn accreditation, a business school must demonstrate that it meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence. This process includes an evaluation of the school’s curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student services. The ACBSP also looks at the school’s commitment to continuous improvement and its overall educational experience.
So what does it mean to have an ACBSP accredited degree? First of all, it signifies that the school or program you obtained your degree from meets a high standard of excellence. Only about one-third of all business schools worldwide are accredited by the ACBSP. This means that if you have an ACBSP accredited degree, you are part of an elite group of business professionals.
The ACBSP accreditation is highly respected and many employers prefer to hire candidates who have obtained their degree from an ACBSP accredited school. Employers know that an ACBSP degree signifies that the graduate has received a quality education.
AACSB vs ACBSP
AACSB isn’t the only accrediting body in the business industry. There are two main accrediting bodies for business schools: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is the older of the two organizations, dating back to 1913. AACSB is well-known and has been accrediting business schools for over 100 years. However, AACSB is not without its criticisms. Some people say that AACSB is too bureaucratic and inflexible. In addition, AACSB’s standards are not as rigorous as ACBSP’s. AACSB is also more expensive for schools to obtain, which means that AACSB accreditation is not always a good financial investment for the school.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is the younger organization, dating back to 1994. ACBSP has been gaining in popularity due to its rigorous standards. ACBSP’s standards are more stringent than AACSB’s, and it is more responsive in its accreditation process, adapting its standards to the rapidly changing business world.
So which accreditation should you choose? AACSB or ACBSP? The answer is: it depends. AACSB is a well-established organization with a long track record of accrediting business schools. However, ACBSP is gaining in popularity due to its more rigorous standards. AACSB is also more expensive for schools to obtain. If you are looking for the best possible education regardless of the price tag, then AACSB is the accreditation for you. However, if you are looking for quality education at a more affordable price, then ACBSP is the better choice.
ACBSP Accreditation Process
So what are ACBSP’s rigorous standards? Here are a few examples:
- The school must have an adequate number of qualified faculty members.
- The school must have a curriculum that meets the needs of both students and their potential future employers.
- The school must provide learning opportunities that prepare students for the global business environment.
- The school must have a system in place to measure and improve its quality of education.
Accreditation by the ACBSP is rigorous and takes both students’ and employers’ needs into account. Schools that are seeking ACBSP accreditation must submit an extensive application that is reviewed by a team of experts. The school must then provide evidence that it meets all of ACBSP’s standards. This process can take several years, and schools must be re-accredited on a regular basis.
Why Choose an ACBSP Accredited Business School?
There are many benefits to obtaining a degree from an ACBSP accredited university. Here are some of them:
- The curriculum at ACBSP accredited universities is rigorous and up-to-date, ensuring that you will receive a quality education.
- Faculty at ACBSP accredited universities are highly qualified and experienced, so you will learn from the best.
- ACBSP accredited universities have a strong focus on ethics and sustainability, which prepares graduates for the real world.
- ACBSP accredited universities often have connections with businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for networking and job placement.
Risks of Unaccredited Business Schools
You might want to steer clear of unaccredited business schools. Unaccredited schools may not have as rigorous a curriculum as an accredited school, meaning you might not get the level of education you want. Unaccredited schools also lack the standards for faculty and teaching that is required by accredited schools.
The ACBSP has rigorous standards and is known for its quality of education. So if you’re looking for a quality business education, it’s important to choose a school that is accredited by the ACBSP. Attending an ACBSP accredited school will ensure that you receive a high-quality education and will prepare you for a successful career in business.
How to Tell if a School is ACBSP Accredited
The ACBSP accreditation status of a school can be determined in a few different ways. The easiest way is to check the ACBSP website. The ACBSP website has a list of all accredited schools. You can also check the website of the school’s business program- they’ll often state what accreditations they have online. The last option is to ask the school directly whether it is accredited by the ACBSP.
List of ACBSP Accredited Schools
If you are looking for a quality business education, an ACBSP accredited university is your best option. There are programs to fit every schedule- there are even ACBSP accredited online schools. Check out this list of ACBSP accredited schools to find one that fits your needs.
Athens State University
The Business School at Athens State University has multiple degree tracks that are fully accredited by the ACBSP. The faculty is highly qualified and experienced, and the curriculum is rigorous and up-to-date. Athens State offers a variety of concentrations, including accounting, finance, and marketing.
Tuition is affordable at Athens State University. In fact, according to their website, it is “the most affordable of all public, state schools in both Alabama and Tennessee. “Athens State University has connections with businesses and organizations, providing students with networking and job placement opportunities. The university also has a strong focus on ethics and sustainability.
Three notable ACBSP-accredited degree options at ASU are:
- Master of Science in Strategic Leadership and Business Analytics
- Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor of Science in Management
Best of all, Athens is one of the highly desirable ACBSP accredited online schools, meaning that each of these options is available in a flexible online format.
Capella University
Students of Capella University’s ACBSP accredited school of Business, Technology, and Healthcare Administration can get their bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. online, making it one of the most flexible options around. Capella has been accredited by the ACBSP since 2006 and is a leader in online education.
Capella’s unique FlexPath learning option allows students with unfinished degrees to learn at their own pace, making it a great choice for nontraditional students looking to finish their degrees. According to their website, “FlexPath lets you finish the degree you started, with a bachelor’s in business in 18 months and under $18,000.”
Some of Capella’s ACBSP-accredited degree offerings include:
- Master of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
Champlain College
Champlain College is a small, private school with an ACBSP-accredited business school. According to their website, Champlain was named a “Most Innovative School” by U.S. News & World Report in 2021.
The Robert P. Stiller School of Business at Champlain College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, as well as online options. There are an impressive number of MBA specialization options, with everything from Employment Law to Positive Organization Development available.
A few ACBSP -accredited degree options at Champlain are:
- Master of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management
- Associate of Science in Business Management
Colorado State University
Colorado State University’s Global Campus is another one of the desirable ACBSP accredited online schools. CSU Global offers undergraduate and graduate business degrees with a variety of specialization options, including accounting, finance, marketing, and human resource management.
The faculty at CSU Global is made up of experienced professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom. They provide the opportunity to earn credit for the knowledge that students bring with them into the program, offering prior learning assessments; students can also work ahead by earning credits through exams.
The school has been accredited by the ACBSP since 2016.
Some of the ACBSP-accredited degree options at CSU Global are:
- Master of International Management
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Master in Finance
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M’s School of Business & Industry has been ACBSP accredited since 2013. Students can earn degrees on campus as well as online.
FAMU offers undergraduate and graduate business degrees with different specialization options. They also have an impressive array of corporate partnerships, boasting connections with the likes of Disney and John Deere. According to FAMU’s website, “our staff helps SBI graduates-to-be schedule interviews for full-time positions, supports your employment search with workshops on resume writing and interviewing techniques, along with two University Career Fair Expos each academic year.”
The school has a focus on diversity and inclusion, with a number of programs and initiatives in place to support students from all backgrounds.
FAMU’s School of Business & Industry offers the following ACBSP-accredited degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master’s of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
Grand Canyon University – Colangelo College of Business
Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business has been ACBSP accredited since 1995. The Colangelo College of Business offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate business degrees, with specializations in fields such as accounting, marketing, information technology, and more. Students can also choose to focus their studies on Christian values.
The Colangelo College of Business is known for its commitment to service. For example, the school hosts GCU CityServe, which provides students with opportunities to assist with the distribution of essential household good to families in need.
Some of Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business ACBSP-accredited degree offerings are:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Doctor of Business Administration
New Mexico Highlands University
There are only two degrees in business offered online at NMHU: one at the undergraduate level and the other a general MBA. The school’s most popular online degree is the general online MBA, which is 100% ACBSP accredited and designed for working adults and nontraditional students.
NMHU does, however, offer ACBSP accredited concentrations for their bachelor’s and master’s degree options. Options include accounting, management, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship.
NMHU touts itself as the most affordable AACSB accredited university in New Mexico. Their website notes that they have small class sizes and easy access to faculty.
New Mexico Highlands University’s ACBSP-accredited degree offerings are:
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
Purdue University
Purdue University is a top-tier research university with an ACBSP accredited business school. It offers a variety of degree options, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Beginning in 2022, Purdue is waiving the GRE/GMAT requirement for applicants, making the admissions process more accessible than ever.
Students at Purdue’s Krannert School of Management can study abroad in one of its partner universities, giving them an international perspective.
Tuition is expensive, but Purdue offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Notable ACBSP accredited degree options at Purdue are:
- Online Master of Business Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy in Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Texas A&M University, Central Texas
Texas A&M University’s Central Texas campus is another proudly ACBSP accredited university. Located in Killeen, Texas, TAMCT’s College of Business Administration offers ten different undergraduate degrees and four graduate degrees.
TAMCT has been ACBSP accredited since 1991. TAMCT focuses on hands-on learning, with various internship and practicum opportunities available. It also has several unique research centers, including the Small Business Development Center and the Entrepreneurship Center.
Some of Texas A&M University-Central Texas’s ACBSP-accredited degree offerings are:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
- Master of Business Administration
University of Hawaii – West Oahu
The University of Hawaii – West Oahu offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, emphasizing business administration. All business programs at the university are AACSB accredited, and the College of Business Administration has been ACBSP accredited since 2017.
U.H. West Oahu offers many unique degree programs (such as a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Studies with a concentration in Business.) In terms of ACBSP accredited programs, however, students can also pursue everything from a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management to a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism.
U.H., West Oahu is known for its small class sizes and commitment to diversity. The university is located in the city of Kapolei, on the island of Oahu.
Some of University of Hawaii – West Oahu’s ACBSP-accredited degree offerings are:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
Utica College
Another ACBSP-accredited online school is Utica College. U.C. is located in upstate New York and has been accredited by the ACBSP since 2018.
In addition to offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, Utica College also offers online and hybrid degree programs. Students may also choose to specialize in areas such as accounting, entrepreneurship, healthcare administration, and more.
U.C. is known for its small class sizes and personal attention. The school has a strong focus on experiential learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Most faculty have real-world experience in their fields, and the school has a low faculty-to-student ratio.
At Utica College, ACBSP-accredited degrees include:
- Master of Business Administration in Professional Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management
ACBSP accreditation is essential for business school students to understand and consider when making their school choices. It is one of the most respected accreditations in the business education industry and can set you up for success after graduation. If you’re looking for an accredited business school program, be sure to check out one of the schools on our list.
Sources:
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. (2022, February 24). ACBSP Website. https://acbsp.org/
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. (2022, February 24). AACSB Website. https://www.aacsb.edu/