A Quick Guide to Business School Accreditations
Accreditation is a rigorous process involving an outside authority, which reviews an institution and educational programs to ensure they meet official standards and certain quality levels.
Different types of accrediting agencies evaluate business schools and specific degree programs within them. Business school accreditation plays a key role in quantifying the level of quality a business school offers and prestige it holds. This often plays a part in helping students decide where they want to apply.
So, here’s a quick guide on the main types of business school accreditations and other accreditations you might come across, in addition to how you can then compare business schools across the world!
The Three Main Accreditations for Business Schools
There are three main business school accreditations used in countries all over the globe. Read below to learn about what each is.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
As the first business school accrediting agency, AACSB is the largest and one of the most recognized in the world of business education. It is also known for being of the most stringent accreditation, taking a lot of time and effort for business schools to qualify. Currently, there are more than 900 business schools AACSB-accredited worldwide across over 100 countries.
Association of MBA’s (AMBA)
AMBA accredits MBA, DBM, and MBM programmes at over 260 business schools in more than 75 countries. Its accredited network has been limited to 300 institutions, giving the accreditation additional prestige. AMBA is also the only accreditation that focuses on the MBA. This allows the accreditation body to really dig in and focus on the details of this course.
European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
EQUIS is run by the European Foundation for Management Development; however, despite its name, it’s not only focused on business schools in Europe. There are more than 200 schools worldwide accredited by EQUIS. It accredits at institution level and covers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, but the institutions are required to be primarily focused on management education.
Other Types of Accreditations
There are other types of accreditations business schools may have as well. Here are some other common business school and higher education accreditations you might come across.
For starters, the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) typically accredits smaller private and public schools that offer business degrees. The accreditor focuses on student-centered teaching and learning approaches.
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) accredits accounting and business-related programs. It has an emphasis on mission-related outcomes and principles designed to promote excellence, instead of a specific set of academic criteria and standards.
Lastly, many business schools also have country-specific accreditations. It’s important to know what accreditations a university and business school you’re interested in applying to has. This will help you understand the reputation and quality of the school and program.
Comparing Business Schools
Unify can help you browse and compare graduate business schools worldwide, making it easy to understand what accreditations the universities and programs have.
We can also help you compile a shortlist of universities and programs you’re most interested in, so you can easily compare them side by side. Our algorithm can even match you with programs based on your background, preferences, and goals!
Sign up to get started or get in touch with our team of college counselors for hands-on support throughout the entire admissions process.