What Are AACSB Accredited Online MBA Programs Programs
AACSB accreditation is the gold standard for business schools and MBA programs. This prestigious certification ensures the quality of a business school’s faculty, curriculum, student services and career resources.
Earning AACSB accreditation signals that a business school adheres to strict educational standards that emphasize teaching excellence and engagement between students and faculty. Only the top 5% of business schools worldwide hold AACSB accreditation.
For online MBA programs, AACSB accreditation validates that the student experience meets the same high caliber as a traditional on-campus program. From instruction methods to peer collaboration to career support, accredited programs must demonstrate commitment across key areas.
AACSB accreditation matters because it provides value for students and graduates:
- Better career prospects: Companies actively recruit from AACSB-accredited business schools due to the trusted indicator of quality they provide.
- Strong faculty and student engagement: Accredited programs require faculty with academic and industry credentials who facilitate meaningful exchanges of ideas.
- Up-to-date and relevant curriculum: The accreditation process ensures programs stay current with the evolving business landscape.
In the following sections, I’ll discuss AACSB-accredited online MBA programs further – from what you can expect from the curriculum to tips on affordability. As you evaluate programs, keeping the AACSB accreditation seal in mind can help streamline your decision making.
100 Best AACSB Accredited Online MBA Programs
Overview of AACSB Accredited Online MBA Programs
AACSB accredited online MBA programs offer the prestige of an MBA credential backed by a trusted accrediting body along with the flexibility of online delivery. These programs come in a few main formats:
- Synchronous programs feature live, scheduled online classes with your cohort and faculty. This mirrors an on-campus experience through platforms like video conferencing and virtual chat.
- Asynchronous programs allow you to complete pre-recorded lectures, assignments and group work on your schedule before certain deadlines. This self-paced format accommodates complex work and life demands.
- Hybrid/blended programs combine some live virtual and on-demand course components. This provides structure plus flexibility.
AACSB online MBAs cover the same foundational curriculum you’d find in traditional programs – accounting, finance, marketing, operations, strategy. However accredited programs often include cutting-edge specializations reflecting current industry demands, like healthcare management or data analytics.
Given the signature engagement between students and faculty required by AACSB, class sizes also remain small – usually an average of 15-25 students compared to potentially hundreds in a MOOC (massive open online course).
As for investment, costs for AACSB accredited online MBAs range from $25,000 to $100,000+ depending on factors like university rankings, program length, and scholarships or aid available. The typical program takes 2-3 years to complete as a part-time student.
The Value of AACSB Accreditation for an MBA Degree
AACSB accreditation sets rigorous quality standards for business schools. The accreditation process examines each applying school across areas like:
- Faculty qualifications: AACSB requires faculty to hold advanced degrees along with meaningful intellectual contributions in their fields such as published research. This ensures students learn from experts at the forefront of their disciplines.
- Curricular standards: Accredited programs must have formal processes to develop, assess, and revise degree programs. Curricula stay updated on technological and global business trends.
- Student-faculty engagement: Small class sizes, academic/career advising resources, and learning outcome assessments are core focuses.
- Industry alignment: Corporate connections, advisory boards, internships/networking prepare students for the current job market.
By passing this comprehensive review, AACSB accredited business schools signal a commitment to excellence. Only 327 institutions in the United States that hold AACSB accreditation for their online MBA programs.
For graduates, this distinction provides lifelong value through:
- Improved job prospects: Highly respected companies specifically target recruitment efforts at AACSB-accredited schools.
- Higher salaries: Graduates of AACSB programs command an average salary over $10,000 higher per year.
- Global recognition: The AACSB stamp of approval applies to schools across over 100 countries.
Finding an Affordable AACSB-Accredited Online MBA
AACSB-accredited online MBA programs range in price from about $25,000 to $100,000 total. Find the most affordable online AACSB programs ranked.
When researching programs, you can help find an option matching your budget and needs through steps like:
- Evaluate both state and private universities in your search – in-state tuition at public schools averages lower costs.
- Compare curriculum and specializations between individual programs – similar quality and content can have big pricing gaps.
- Ask each school about payment plans or scholarships available – customized aid opportunities could make a program more affordable.
- Consider accelerated or flexible pace formats – year-round enrollments finishing faster can translate to lower total tuition.
The main elements influencing the price of an accredited online MBA are school factors like:
- National ranking and brand power of the program
- Faculty research activity and qualifications
- Breadth of alumni network reach
Remember – having AACSB accreditation signals baseline quality standards. But significant cost variation exists between individual accredited programs depending on the value-adds layered on by the institution.
What to Expect in an AACSB MBA Program Online
The curriculum and learning experience with an AACSB accredited online MBA mirrors what you would find in an on-campus program, with the flexibility of remote access.
Curriculum closely follows the academic gold standards – accounting, finance, marketing, operations, strategy. Specializations like entrepreneurship, analytics, or healthcare cater the general foundation to industry demands. Classes unfold through asynchronous lectures, group discussions, collaborative projects and more.
Student engagement meets strict requirements under AACSB standards. Expect small class sizes with abundant faculty interaction. Cohorts bond through team assignments, virtual networking, global experiences and more. Robust advising and support resources keep students on track academically and professionally.
Career development receives significant focus. Individual career coaching, webinars, resume reviews, mock interviews, alumni connections and recruitment events prepare students for their next leadership roles. Specializations align with industries hungry for managerial talent.
While remote in format, an AACSB accredited online MBA mirrors a traditional experience through curated curriculum, close-knit student cohorts, and personalized career mapping. Graduates walk away with the knowledge to lead in business plus lifelong professional connections.
AACSB Online MBA FAQ
What is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)?
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is an accreditation council for business schools and colleges. AACSB accredited business schools and programs must meet strict standards for quality in areas like faculty, curriculum, student services and career resources.
What types of business programs can be AACSB accredited?
AACSB offers accreditation for all levels of business education at accredited colleges and universities. This includes undergraduate business school programs, Master’s degrees such as Online Masters in Business Administration (MBA), and doctorate programs.
Which business schools have AACSB accreditation?
Over 900 universities and colleges of business worldwide hold an AACSB accreditation. However, only about 5% of total business schools have earned this distinction. Some of the best online MBA programs offered by AACSB accredited business schools include Carnegie Mellon University and University of North Carolina.
Why pursue an AACSB accredited MBA?
An MBA from an AACSB accredited business school signals you graduated from a top tier program that meets strict quality guidelines. Many employers specifically target AACSB accredited MBAs for recruiting. On average, graduates of AACSB MBA programs earn over $10,000 more per year.
How Much Do AACSB Accredited online MBA programs cost?
AACSB accredited online MBA program costs range from $25,000 to over $100,000 depending on factors like university rankings, program length, and available financial aid. State residents can pursue their fully online MBA from schools such as Carson College of Business for the lower in-state tuition rates at public universities.
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Jessa Cast is a professional freelance writer and editor whose experience includes several years of published magazine articles and two edited books, among other writing and editing projects. She is skilled in conducting research and interviewing subjects, copy and content editing, event planning, and using the Microsoft suite, as well as a variety of freelance business assistance offerings. She earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)