Why should you choose a business school accredited for your online MBA degree? The accredited program has a strong track record in business education. Only a certified online MBA program will ensure that graduates are prepared for their business career.
Online and face-to-face MBA programs are accredited by an independent nonprofit organization after passing a rigorous evaluation. And uncertified programs can cost more than a pile of student debt-they can also leave work prospects uncertain.
Make sure you know how to find scams and identify certified programs, rather than gambling at an uncertified business school.
What is certification?
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Accreditation accredits schools and programs that meet high standards. Universities are pursuing accreditation from independent non-profit accreditation bodies. Schools are accredited as a whole, but individual programs may also be accredited individually.
Business schools can be accredited by one of the three international programmatic accreditation bodies described below.
A license is required to run a school, but accreditation is an indicator of academic quality. Also, attending an uncertified school or program can impair your education and employment prospects.
How important is an MBA certification?
Future MBA students should always choose an accredited business school. Certification is important for several reasons.
First, certification is an indicator of quality. The accredited online MBA program is valued not only for its academic excellence, but also for its mission and influence.
Second, only accredited institutions are eligible for the Federal Financial Assistance Program. Attendance at an uncertified school means that students have to rely on more expensive private loans.
Finally, the employer looks for a job seeker with a degree in the accreditation program. An uncertified business degree can even undermine opportunities in the job market.
MBA program danger signal
How can I avoid a predatory MBA program? Due to the high demand for MBA degrees, some programs can trick applicants into enriching themselves.
Look for these warning signs when studying your MBA program.
1. The school is not accredited or lists fake accreditations
The MBA program does not announce that it is not accredited. Instead, they often list fake accreditations or simply ignore accreditations.
So how can you tell if your school is actually accredited?
First, find out about the three accreditation bodies of the MBA program (listed below) and check the program’s database.
Next, access the list of accredited accreditation bodies of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to see if the accreditations listed in the program are from a legitimate body.
Finally, look for program and school-wide accreditation. Legitimate programs hold both types of accreditation.
2. The program makes a promise that is too good
Diploma factories often make lofty promises that fail. Here are some warning signal claims:
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You can get your degree in a few weeks
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The program does not need to study
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Get a bachelor’s degree after paying the tuition
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The program does not require you to take an MBA course
3. There is no contact information on that website
Legitimate business schools have their addresses posted on their website. In addition to the list of faculty members, the reputable program also includes multiple ways to contact the program.
Avoid MBA programs that do not provide contact information. These programs can be fraudulent.
4. You can pay a flat rate for your degree
Reputable universities charge every credit hour or semester. Beware of programs that offer a degree in exchange for a flat rate.
Please note that for legitimate programs, the total cost of the degree may be listed on the website, but you will not be charged a flat rate for the degree.
MBA Program Certification
Three accreditation bodies evaluate and grant accreditation to MBA programs, including online MBA programs. These programmatic certifications set high standards for business education.
Certified business schools complete regular reviews to maintain their status.
look: How to get into a top MBA program
Business School and Program Accreditation Council (ACBSP): Founded in 1988, ACBSP has accredited its programs on 1,200 campuses in 60 countries. Member institutions include Webster University, District of Columbia University, and Strayer University.
ACBSP evaluates programs based on strategic planning, leadership, academic quality, teacher qualifications, and educational support. The accreditation body also measures efforts to improve each program. Certified online MBA programs meet the same criteria as face-to-face programs.
Association for advancing university business school (AACSB): AACSB grants accreditation to more than 900 business schools, including many of the top-ranked MBA programs in the United States. The accreditation body, launched in 1916, reports that 93% of the top 100 full-time MBA programs hold AACSB accreditation.
Organizational accreditation criteria include strategic management benchmarks, curriculum and educational effectiveness data, and indicators of social impact and engagement. The AACSB certification program updates its status on a regular basis.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE): IACBE has certified over 2,000 business and accounting programs since 1997. An independent accreditation body grants accreditation using results-based criteria.
IACBE member bodies receive rigorous evaluations such as peer reviews, self-study, and mission evaluations. This process also includes a review of the educational process of the business program. IACBE accredited business schools include several SUNY chapters, the University of Arizona Global Campus, and private universities such as St. Thomas Aquinas University.
Final idea
A certified MBA program always offers more value than a non-certified program.
When studying a direct or online MBA program, check the certification status of the program. Visit the accreditation body site and search for a member body.
Business school is a big investment. Choose a certified program and start your MBA with your right foot.