Help pls, how important is AACSB MBA if I don't plan to teach

Hi, I really want to start my MBA online soon. I'm a little confused because I first wanted to do it at a school that was AASCB accredited. I understand it's important if I want to teach later, but how important is it if I don't ever plant to teach but just want to land a good job with a good company in corporate America? It seems a lot of the AACSB programs don't have the concentrations that I want (finance and operations management) like a lot of the RA schools. The RA (most) schools also don't require the GMAT. I'm looking for an MBA program that has the finance and/or operations management concentration, so far the programs that don't require pre-reqs (I think) I've seen are Regis and University of Maryland University College. Anybody heard anything of the UMUC? I'd appreciate anyone's feedback and help about my program interest and the impact of AACSB if I don't plan to teach. Thank you.

One more thing, price is a concern for me, I'm planning to take loans...

ADA

 

Hi April - I'm out of my area here but thought I'd start the replies rolling in. I hope that any members more knowledgable in the area of business will correct me if I misrepresent anything . . .
First, I think that all AASCB programs exist in RA schools but that not all RA schools have AASCB programs. The AASCB accreditation is a professional accreditation that indicates that the program has exceeded the usual RA standards and has met the higher AASCB standards. The idea is that graduates of these programs might be more sought after. I have no idea if this is reality or a myth.
Second, I don't think AASCB accreditation has much to do with whether the graduate is better able to teach. In the competitive world of academia it's possible that in the case where two MBA graduates, one from an AASCB program and the other from a non-AASCB program (all other things being equal) (which is such a joke becausee ALL other things are NEVER equal) apply for the same job, perhaps the AASCB grad will have an edge (although I can think of other factors that would give one a bigger edge).
Third, there are a zillion (give or take a million) DL MBA programs out there. I'd be surprised to learn that one of the AASCB variety doesn't have the concentrations that interest you. My unqualified advice: choose a program that's located near to where you want to work/live. You'll have a better chance of making connections that will pay off when you're done with the program and looking for a job. Good luck,
Jack

 

Here is my opinion.

AACSB is needed when you teach (in some cases), Jack mentioned above, when all other things are equal, the AACSB person will have an edge. In my area, a non-AACSB school's applicant would not be able to apply at the University level. Now, at the community college level, I think the RA degree is perfect! I also think there is a bunch of schools out there that the RA is great, especially those that live in the 21st century and have a great deal of online programs.

There are a bunch programs out there that are AACSB, and I am going that route because I hope to teach, but you may not want to tie your hands in the future.

AACSB is not the only way to go, and most employers wouldn't know about the accreditation processes at all. If they do know, they probably know that RA is acceptable.

You may want to go to US News and see the rankings of school's, there are a bunch that have concentrations, totally online, and may be right up your alley!

 

AACSB has nothing to do with the ability to teach, but there is a bias in academia.

 

Dear ada2001 - You've asked a great question. In the business school world of the U.S. there are lots of programs - some are Regionally Accredited (RA) and AACSB accredited, others are accredited by RA & ACBSP or RA ?& IACBE and some are accredited only by a regional accreditation (RA) body.

Without a doubt the most highly rated MBA programs (choose any ranking list you want) are AACSB accredited. The things that AACSB requires and routinely reviews - faculty, entrance standards, curriculum, etc. - speak well for the quality of the program. This is not to say that all AACSB schools are perfect - but on the whole AACSB schools are a definite step above non-AACSB schools. I've attended and taught at many AACSB and non-AACSB schools - I'm really convinced.

Should it matter to you? It really depends on what you value. If getting a first rate management education is your top goal - go AACSB. If you want a degree that carries a strong reputation - go AACSB. If you are cost or time constrained and/or insistent on no residency - you may have to go non-AACSB.

Before I stepped away from AACSB schools, however, I'd look into Indiana, Auburn, Colorado State and University of Michigan Dearborn and Flint. I believe each is AACSB accredited and operates DL programs. Yes, they may make you take more courses and will probably require the GMAT. They probably cost a little more. But if you really care about your education - these are really minor points. The letters you earn at the end of the road - MBA - may be the same, but I'm confident that AACSB accredited schools really will provide a superior experience.

If you really can't find what you want in the AACSB world, consider ACBSP accreditation as a plus when reviewing schools. When you come across programs that have no professional accreditation (AACSB, ACBSP or IACBE) ask yourself - how come?

Regards - Andy

 

As others have stated AACSB accredited is a feather in your cap, but assuming you are not looking to get into teaching afterwards this should not be a major factor in your decision. The major factor in your decision should be the placement success of individuals after they complete the degree program. I have a feeling their will be a high correlation between AACSB accreditation and placement, but their may be exceptions.

U.S. News is a good place to start. They list the companies that hired last year graduates, number of graduates hired at each company, average starting salary, and bonus information. The problem you will find is few colleges break out their DL MBA programs. If that is the case you will need to go to the source and speak with representatives at the school. Many DL MBA programs will attempt to give you the sales pitch or to avoid the questions. Do not let them get away with this. If they can not or will not provide the numbers this should raise a flag. Either way you should also request to be put into contact with an individual who has gone through their MBA program with similar ambitions to you. Research, research, and research some more.

All of the above is very important and gains even more importance if you are not in the finance and operations management field already. The simple fact is that most part time or DL MBA programs are meant to aid you in your current job and not to enable you to change careers. When I was looking to attend an evening program at Washington University St. Louis(Ranked somewhere around #20 for their full time program) they would not allow you to use their employment center unless you had a letter from your employer giving you the okay. I do not wish to discourage your, but alternative paths to an MBA and receiving your MBA from second or third teir universities removes most of the traditional benefits.

*deleted two more paragraphs of babble*
In short job placement after completing the program is key!

 

Andy,

Your DBA is through NSU which is not AACSB. How has this affected your ability to be hired to teach at schools that have this accreditation?

Cy

 

Great question - The bottom line is that my employment options are somewhat limited by where I went to school. I can certainly teach adjunct lots of places - but full-time positions are another matter. Top AACSB schools are definitely out. Most deans at even medium ranked AACSB schools wouldn't consider someone from NSU (or Touro or Capella or ...) either.

One thing that I did do - and I'm glad I did - was earn my MBA at a reasonably well regarded AACSB school (Vanderbilt). At the very least someone looking at my resume can see how I performed there. I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable with a bachelors, masters and doctorate all from non-AACSB schools.

Indeed, I see a growing trend of folks in this situation. Worse yet are those with 2 or 3 degrees from the same DL school I realize that DL is important for a lot of folks for a lot of reasons. But if you are serious about teaching in a university - can't you pay some dues (in terms of time spent actually sitting in a classroom with a full-time faculty member, additional credit hours, etc.) and go through a more rigorous AACSB traditional program? Perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit but the DL mantra of "cheaper, faster, easier, don't have to get out of my pajamas" seems ill suited to a person who wants to teach for a living.

Realize, however, that there is a lot more to getting hired then where you went to school. Industry and teaching experience are important as are scholarly publications. For me an NSU DBA was a necessary, but hardly sufficient condition to obtain a full-time teaching position.

Regards - Andy

 

Re: Re: Help pls, how important is AACSB MBA if I don't plan to teach

What kind of reaction are you finding regarding the value of IACBE?

Does the AACSB crowd have any respect for IACBE at all?

 

Re: Re: Re: Help pls, how important is AACSB MBA if I don't plan to teach

I asked the Dean of the school I am trying to get hired at this very same question. He said they only recognize AACSB, not sure if that is the norm, but my experience.

 

Re: Re: Re: Help pls, how important is AACSB MBA if I don't plan to teach

As I see the three bodies (AACSB, ACBSP and IACBE) there is a clear distinction. AACSB is the gold standard and AACSB schools don't see much value in the other two.

As a consumer only AACSB has value from a reputation perspective. However, both ACBSP and IACBE have a value in that their standards force business schools to do a better job in educating students. I've seen deans and department heads alter curriculum and hiring decisions because of the standards.

Regards- Andy

 

AACSB may be required for some professional licenses. My state requires it to write the CPA exam. This may be something to consider.

 

Which state? In my three decades as a CPA I've never heard of any such requirement. (But then again I'm surprised almost every day with what I didn't know the day before!)

 

Which state? In my three decades as a CPA I've never heard of any such requirement. (But then again I'm surprised almost every day with what I didn't know the day before!)

Illinois, Anyone taking the test after 01/01/2001 needs to meet new requirements, including 150 semester hours instead of the previous 120. I called and spoke to a rep. in the office. It's also on their website. I don't know if the AACSB was required before, but apparently it is now.

Thanks
Greg

 

I happened to have the educational requirement page on the Illinois Board of Examiners site bookmarked. It seems to say that they'll recognize a school that is accredited by either: a regional accreditor, AACSB, or ACBSP. I wonder why a rep would tell you that the school needs to AACSB... Maybe you should call back and see if you get someone else? It sucks to call an organization like that and whoever happens to pick up the phone (janitor, temp, someone's niece visiting for career day ) authoritatively gives out misinformation.

 

On your bookmarked page, those are the requirements for the test before 01/01/2001. Go down the page a little further to the list of 4 options, after 01/01/2001. I actually called the office on two seperate occasions and got the same answer both times. The rep specifically said that RA only schools will not qualify. They must be AACSB.

 

Greg:

I think that you read the requirements upside down. The requirements are summarized below.

A. Accrediting agencies recognized by the board after Jan 1, 2001 are:

1. RA
2. AACSB
3. ACBSP

B. Credentials recognized by the board are:

1. Earned a graduate degree with a concentration in accounting from a program that is accredited in accounting by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board (RA or AACSB or ACBSP).

2.Earned a graduate degree from a program that is accredited in business by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board (RA or AACSB or ACBSP)

3. Earned a baccalaureate degree from a program that is accredited in business by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board (RA or AACSB or ACBSP).

4. Earned a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited educational institution or other institution recognized by the Board (RA or AACSB or ACBSP).

......and 25+15 credits in core accounting courses.


Read it again. The URL is http://www.illinois-cpa-exam.com/edreq.html

 

Gary - I think I understand some of this - the regional accreditors, AACSB and ACBSP are all CHEA recognized - hence, Illinois says you have to graduate from a school that is accredited by one of these bodies. The reasoning, however, is somewhat circular. For U.S. schools to be ACBSP or AACSB accredited they have to be RA. In fact, obtaining a letter from your regional accreditor is the first step to achieving ACBSP accreditation. I think AACSB is similar.

Regards - Andy

 

There is rare exception, pointed out by this board where a school is AACSB, but not RA.

 

Originally posted by Gary Rients
It sucks to call an organization like that and whoever happens to pick up the phone (janitor, temp, someone's niece visiting for career day ) authoritatively gives out misinformation.

Maybe it's this guy who keeps picking up the phone:

"I triple guarantee you,
AACSB is required!"