Accreditation is more than just a fancy term to distinguish reputable schools from the rest. In many ways, accreditation focuses on providing students with the best quality education, skill sets, training, and faculty members to launch them toward their desired careers. For students interested in business schools, that starts with looking for programs that have passed the rigorous standards of the AACSB accreditation, like ACU’s Online Master of Business Administration.
Let’s face it. It’s no secret that employers want quality business graduates from quality business schools just as much as graduates want employers to hire them based on the level of education they have acquired and the time it took to achieve it. However, most business schools and programs are not cost-friendly or quick. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average total cost of an M.B.A. is upwards of $56K without considering fees, textbooks, and other living expenses.
Because of this, many students are turning to online business schools, like ACU Online, with the hopes of obtaining a reputable education, skill set, and strategic knowledge needed to succeed without losing the rigor, stamina or quality of a residential program. And that’s why the AACSB accreditation is so important.
What is the AACSB accreditation?
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is an organization of educators, students, faculty members, and businesses focused on creating the next generation of great leaders via an established set of high standards in quality assurance, business education intelligence, and learning and development. Serving over 1,900 member organizations and more than 1,000 accredited business schools worldwide, the AACSB’s accreditation process is challenging.
When a business school chooses to acquire accreditation, the AACSB must consider multiple factors including the status of the program, student body, faculty makeup, curriculum, graduation rates, and employer recruitment. If all areas of criteria are met accordingly, the school not only achieves the distinction but also must abide by the bylaws to keep their accreditation and connections with future employers interested in hiring their future graduates. That’s why AACSB-accredited schools are considered to be the best business schools in the world.
They care about their undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and executive education programs. They work hard to ensure their curriculum meets the workforce’s demands. And most importantly, they desire to bring in more students who are interested in shaping their future and the world.
ACU’s College of Business Administration is a part of this honorable accreditation organization. Considered to be in the top 5% of all AACSB-accredited business schools in the world, ACU’s College of Business is breaking down barriers and redefining success for faith-based schools who are equally as interested in preparing students, online and residentially, into becoming foundational leaders in their communities and businesses. On top of being one of seven programs among more than 100 institutions in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) to achieve this level of academic distinction, ACU’s College of Business is one of the few schools of business in Texas to seek, achieve, and remain accredited – a testament to our commitment to education.
However, you may be asking yourself – so what? Why does accreditation matter to me?
Why does accreditation matter?
Believe it or not – AACSB-accredited business schools typically attract and prepare the world’s top students to become bold leaders and change-makers in some of today’s top businesses and organizations. Your alma mater is just one indication to companies of the rigor of your education and showcases the skills you may have learned to handle the job. However, ultimately, whether you’ve earned your degree from a top school or not, accreditation is just one of the key indicators that really makes your job application pop against other candidates for future jobs.
With approximately 96% of employed MBA graduates coming from an accredited program, the evidence is clear – getting your MBA from an AACSB-accredited university just makes sense. In many ways, it’s a safe way to ensure you will find a well-paid position. According to U.S. News and World Report, MBA grads don’t necessarily have to spend a significant amount of time searching for high-paying jobs. Over 90% of graduates are employed by graduation and a reported average base salary of upwards of $100K. Although some MBA schools are considered more reputable than others, the bottom line is an accredited program can – and will – always outrank any other.
Programs like ACU’s residential and online MBA programs are considered some of the best in the state of Texas. In fact, with over seven concentrations ranging from healthcare administration, marketing, supply chain management, nonprofit, international business, and business analytics, the opportunities to achieve your dream job are well within reach.
All it takes is you. Call our team of advisors today and get started on your MBA degree. Visit our website now!