What is an Accredited Online MBA Degree Program?

The online MBA or Masters of Business Administration Online is an advanced degree that is available through online study rather than courses held on campus. These courses will use computer work, video conferences, video broadcast and other technology to provide those that cannot attend the university an MBA education. Online programs are developed for those individuals that either do not live near their program of choice or cannot attend traditional classes. Typically working professionals will take online courses as they can work at their own pace and fit in study around their work schedule. As with regular courses accredited online MBA degrees are from programs that have met standards set by accrediting organizations. These standards typically show that the program displays a high quality education. There are many online MBA courses available but only several of them have accreditation. These programs include:

• The Accredited Online MBA at Marylhurst University was created specifically for those that are working in the business industry and want to advance their education without interfering with their current schedule. The main courses focus on team building, communication, decision-making, finance, economics, ethics, management and leadership. There are specialized online degree programs in non-profit management, sustainable business, general management, finance, real estate studies, healthcare management and marketing.

• This Universities Accredited Online MBA at covers a complete understanding of business. One of the stand-out points of the program is the focus on courses that deal with the global marketplace, not just business within the US. Each student can customize her program by focuses on specific areas of interest.

• The Accredited Online MBA at Norwich University was designed to be completed in 18 months. All classes are conducted via virtual classrooms. The program was designed to let students learn about subjects that they are interested in, provides a solid business foundation, learn from those that have worked in the business world and following a learning system that can be applied to the workplace. The online curriculum was designed specifically for working professionals.

• The Accredited Online MBA at Thunderbird is one of the highest ranked global business schools that offer an online global MBA. This program makes it possible to balance a business professional finds important today and what will be important in the future. The program can be completely customized for their careers. The program also has two weeklong seminars that are study abroad. These study abroad options allow the professionals to more easily integrate into the global business world.

• The Accredited Online MBA at Washington State University has an excellent reputation in the business world with more than 50 years in graduate management education and the flexibility for all to get a higher degree. The program focuses on global business, with a special 10 day program specifically on understanding world markets. Faculty uses an integrated approach to entrepreneurship and business. The program was designed so that concepts covered in courses can be applied immediately to the real business world.

• The Accredited Online MBA at  Howard University was designed to provide additional knowledge and sharpen existing business skills. The main courses focus on main business principles and places special importance on strategy and leadership. This is a flexible degree so business professionals can still keep pace in their workplace, improve skills and learn about new trends in business.

• The Accredited Online MBA at the Rochester Institute of Technology – The E. Philip Saunders College of Business offers an executive online MBA program. The program was created to help advance the careers of high performance professionals that already have a significant amount of experience in the business world. The instructors and professionals are not only knowledgeable but also motivated and come from a range of business areas. Creativity is the name of the game as students are encouraged to go outside of the box and embrace group networking.

Accredited Accounting MBA Programs

When choosing a accounting mba accreditation should be an important factor to consider.  Without accreditation your mba is imply a piece of paper.  Furthermore, most if not all of your accounting courses wont be eligible to qualify you for the CPA exam.

Is an AACSB Accredited Online MBA the best Accredited Online MBA?

If you are working in the business industry but need to stay in your current job or do not have the time to attend local classes, then an online MBA may be just what you need. Those individuals that are looking to advance their career will benefit from an AACSB Accredited online MBA, as this type of advanced degree is needed to climb the ladder in the business world.

Accredited MBA Majors & Specializations

There are many different accredited mba programs to choose from.  To learn more read our guides about each major below.

• Accredited Marketing MBA
• Accredited Healthcare MBA
• Accredited Finance MBA
• Accredited Non-Profit MBA
• Accredited Green MBA
• Accredited Real-Estate MBA
• Accredited Information Technology MBA
• Accredited Operations MBA
• Accredited Management MBA
• Accredited Entrepreneurship MBA

Who Accredits Online MBA Programs?

There are several different accreditation bodies, as the different organizations depend on location. There are three main accreditation institutes in the United States and one that recognizes the accreditations offered by other accreditation institutes. There are different organizations that accredited universities and colleges and others that accredited programs rather than institutions.

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs – The ACPSP was created in 1988 to accredit business schools that had programs that focused on teaching and learning. The majority of these schools focus on research. The US Department of Education recognized the ACBSP as a specialized accreditation agency for business. As of 2010 more than 529 schools carry ACBSP accreditation.

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - The AACSB first began to accredit business schools in 1916. This organization provides AACSB online MBA accreditation to schools around the world. This accreditation is considered a benchmark for quality of business schools. In 1991 the organization changed its accreditation standards and as of 2009 more than 567 schools carry AACSB accreditation. These schools can be found on six continents. The institution offers two different types of accreditation, one in business and one in accountancy.

• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education – The IACBE is an accrediting organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Besides MBA programs this institute accredits bachelors and doctoral level programs. Institutions that have IACBE accreditation are found in 20 countries. The accreditation process looks at eight different areas: curriculum, strategic planning, assessment of outcomes, faculty, professional activities, resources, educational innovation and relationships inside and outside of the school. It was first established in 1997 by a founder of the ACBSP.

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation – The CHEA provides accreditation to business schools and these will include universities that offer online MBA degrees. Besides providing accreditation the CHEA also recognize many other accreditation bodies. This council is the largest in the US and is governed by US colleges, university presidents and business institutional representatives. This organization uses six standards that are used to review and provide accreditation. These standards include encouraging purposeful chance, advanced academic quality, demonstrate accountability, employ fair and appropriate procedures, and encourage change as needed. Each accredited school is reviewed every ten years.

What is the Difference Between Accredited and Non-Accredited Online MBA Degree Programs?

Accredited online MBA programs are those that have met the standards that were set by accrediting bodies or organizations. These standards are used as a way to judge the academic quality of the program and that those students that have been awarded an MBA have the skills and knowledge needed. Non-accredited online MBA programs can be granted from any school and do not guarantee education quality, in fact many non-accredited online degrees are degree farms in which the student pays money and receives a degree, without attending any classes or learning new skills.

What are the Steps Involved in Online MBA Accreditation?

The accreditation process contains several different steps.

• First the accreditation body will look into the strategy and mission off the MBA program. Each program will have its own independence from the rest of the school and have a clear understanding of how the program can be marketed.
• The faculty is investigated as those that teach courses in the MBA program must be credible and have the necessary qualifications. More than 75% of all faculty should have postgraduate degrees and doctorates.
• Support available to student in the program is also important and student feedback is part of the accreditation process.
• The student body in each program must show evidence of excellent academics as well as meeting the admission requirements, especially work experience.

What should a Student Expect to Get out of an Accredited Online MBA?

Once all courses have been completed, each student be comfortable in knowing that they have enhanced any of their relevant experience in the management and business field, are prepared to work as a leader in the business world, understand entrepreneurial skills, strategic thinking and innovative thinking, be able to apply their education to a range of complex business ideas and know how to work well in a group.

What are the Benefits of an Accredited online MBA program?

An accredited online MBA programs will have a positive and enhanced reputation when compared to other non-accredited programs. This accreditation shows evidence of quality. It also holds online programs accountable for their education. Why must your online mba be accredited? It is important as the accreditation provides credibility to all other institutes and businesses around the world. An employer will know the type of skills and knowledge an individual should have with an MBA from an accredited program. Additionally the state and federal government use accreditation as an authority and impartial judge of academic quality. The government typically provides funds and federal aid to students that attend accredited universities and programs. Other purposes of accreditation include the ease of t transferring credits between different programs, colleges and universities.

How Long has Accreditation Been Used as a Standard of Academic Quality for MBA Programs?

In the United States the accreditation of business schools goes back 100 years. Accredited MBA online programs do not have such a long history as it is linked with the advent of the Internet. Accreditation emerged in order to protect public interest and keep education quality high.

What are the Types of Courses in an Accredited Online MBA?

The types of courses will depend on the concentration or focus of each students study. Typically business courses will include accounting and organizational goals, managerial accounting, leadership, data analysis, leadership development skills, valuation and capital budgeting, financial analysis & planning, microeconomics, power and influence, strategic thinking, marketing strategy, systems support for operations, managing new products and more.

What are the Admissions Requirements of Accredited Online MBA Programs?

The Admission Requirements will be similar to those needed for any accredited MBA program. A student will need to hold a four year undergraduate degree. Most programs require submission of GMAT scores thought not all schools require this. Several programs will require a minimum number of years in a business career, in some instances this is used in place of the GMAT. Each program requirements will be slightly different.

How do I Benefit from an Accredited Online MBA Degree?

Individuals with accredited online mba degrees have many advantages over those that do not. MBA holders will be eligible for promotions and favoured more so than those that do not. You will find that individuals that are in leadership positions have an MBA from an accredited program as the program provides the skills needed to be a leader. Those with an MBA also typically tend to have higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

How Long Does it Take to Complete an Accredited Online MBA Degree?

The length of time to complete an Accredited MBA Online Degree will depend on the program and the student. Typically programs are designed to take at least 18 months to complete with some courses requiring as long as 28 months for completion.

What are the Focuses within an Accredited Online MBA program?

Each accredited online MBA program allows the students to customize courses for their specific interests or focus within the field of business. Some common specializations include operations and supply chain management, marketing, international management, innovation entrepreneurship, high technology management, healthcare management, general management and finance.

What is the Best Accredited Online MBA Program?

The best online mba program depends on the individual. It is best to look at the study focuses and how the courses are structured to determine which program is the best. Some programs are geared toward global business while others are more specific. Some programs require travel while others are done completely form the comfort of your own home. It is best to compare the different programs and see which one most closely meets your needs as a student and business professional.