Is AACSB itself "accredited" by USDoE?

[knighttof3]

Hi,
while doing MBA research, I came across several univeristies mentioning they are "AACSB-accredited". Also, allbusinessscools.com and businesschools.com (and wikipedia) call it a really prestigious accreditation. OTOH, USDoE (http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/hiedfuture/reports/recognized-organizations.pdf) lists AACSB itself as "formerly recognized accreditation agency".
What's the truth? Is AACSB accreditation worth a lot, anything or nothing? Is it (in your SUBJECTIVE opinion) worth more or less than CHEA or others?
Please comment!
Thanks -
-- Knight.

[johann]

Hi


Reading the PDF file in the link you quoted, AACSB International is on the list headed "Recognized Accrediting Organizations" as of Nov 2005.

Both "USDE Recognized Organization" and CHEA Recognized Organization" are checked beside its name.

It would seem to be clear-cut: AACSB International is both a CHEA-recognized and a USDE-recognized Accrediting Organization -unless the list is wrong, or I've lost my bifocals!

I'll refrain from commenting on its value as I'm no business-ed expert. What I CAN say is, I've read comments in other fora like www.degreeinfo.com . People there, who are serious about business studies and know WAY more than I do, write that often, the people who hire MBA's prefer grads of AACSB-accredited schools. And they comment that AACSB-accredited programs often cost more than others. I dunno, but I'd guess there has to be a reason!

Of course, we both know that AACSB accreditation is for business programs only. The entire institution would have primary accreditation from its Regional Accreditor (Big 6).

Summary - Does it mean something? Yes - quite a lot, apparently. Is it good? CHEA, USDE and the folks who know, all say it's VERY good. Do YOU need it? I have no earthly idea... :-)


Johann

[knighttof3]

Hi Johann,
thanks for your informative reply.
It may be time for new bifocals though (duck!) - AACSB is a solid circle in the CHEA-recognized institutions column but an asterisk (meaning "formerly recognized") in the USDE column.
I'll check out degreeinfo.
I think I do need an institution with an AACSB accreditation. Wider acceptance = better chance for me to be a fat cat :D

[johann]

Hi Knighttof3!

The bifocals are ok - the BRAIN needs to be put in gear! Just like you said, there's an asterisk - and I failed completely to look up its meaning!

Sorry 'bout that! I think the rest is OK, though and you are wise to head to degreeinfo - you'll find a lot about AACSB schools there.

Yes, I think if you really want to be a 'fat cat' an AACSB-accredited school will help!

And I wish you every success in achieving that ambition! :-)

Johann