ACBSP is the premier accrediting association for business schools and
programs with a focus on teaching excellence. In contrast to the Association to
Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) which has a focus on research
excellence, ACBSP is focused on what occurs in the classroom while encouraging
scholarly research. This is apparent in the standards and criteria for
accreditation, the membership structure which includes membership by all persons
involved in delivery of business education, our conference sessions, and our
special initiatives.
In contrast to the International Association for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE),
ACBSP is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The CHEA-recognized
scope of accreditation is: Degree programs in business and
business-related fields at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
This permits institutions to be recognized for the accreditation of their
business programs in resources such as the Higher Education Directory,
the CHEA Web site, and in a host of other publications. ACBSP offers an array of
member benefits not available to IACBE members and has a significantly larger
membership base and staff size. ACBSP offers a lower dues rate for institutions
that are joining and during their time of candidacy for accreditation.
ACBSP is the only accrediting body to offer accreditation to associate degree
institutions. The value of membership by community colleges is the opportunity
for articulation to be enhanced, the networking which occurs and leads to
increased recruiting opportunities for both parties and, the offering of a
program that these institutions would otherwise not be able to receive.
ACBSP encourages and facilitates dual accreditation. An accelerated process
exists for institutions that are accredited by AACSB or IACBE to obtain ACBSP
accreditation. This provides these institutions the distinct marketing advantage
of being accredited by two organizations. For AACSB institutions this is the
opportunity to be recognized for teaching excellence and research excellence.
For IACBE institutions, it is the opportunity to be accredited by an organization
that is recognized by CHEA and still maintain loyalty to the organization that
first granted accreditation to their program.
ACBSP membership is composed of Educational Institution members and Corporate
members. Educational Institution members may be accredited, candidates for
accreditation, or members. Many institutions chose to join to receive the
benefits of membership and for a variety of reasons are unable to pursue
accreditation.
For more information on membership, please use the links on this page or
contact the ACBSP.
