Financial concerns are the major reason why students hesitate to enroll in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program. After all, the average total cost for an accredited MBA is around $60,000. Even though an accredited online MBA usually costs a bit less than that, students must still pay thousands of dollars to earn an online accredited MBA. Few people have enough money saved to pay for the tuition themselves. Thus, the prospects of paying for an AACSB accredited online MBA can seem quite daunting for many people.

Fortunately, students need not pay the entire accredited online MBA program cost on their own. There are many financial aid options that can help students by deferring tuition expenses until after graduation or by securing funds from another source to pay the partial or entire cost of an online MBA accredited by the appropriate agency. If you are interested in one of the online MBA programs accredited by a recognized accrediting body, this guide can help you understand how you can fund your participation in one of the many online accredited MBA programs available today.

MBA Online Accredited Degree Funding: The Basics

Funding for an accredited online MBA is generally available from a few major sources including student loans, scholarships, and grants. These loans, scholarships, and grants, in turn, may be awarded through the government or through private institutions. Government assistance almost always requires that the degree-granting institution be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Thus, you will likely only be able to use federal student loans to pay for a fully accredited MBA online degree. Private loans, scholarships, and grants, on the other hand, do not necessarily require the school, department, or program that offers the MBA to be accredited. In most cases, however, it will be easier to get private funding for online MBA programs accredited by a recognized agency than it will be to get private funding for non-accredited degree programs.

Students will want to look for an accredited online MBA program that is accredited at least at the institutional level. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes several regional accrediting agencies, and this is the institutional accreditation that you are seeking. It is also wise to enroll in an MBA online accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is the main accrediting agency for business schools, departments, and programs.

• Accredited Accounting MBA — Many students decide to use financial aid to pay for an accredited Accounting MBA.
• Accredited Executive MBA — Students who want a career in business leadership should definitely consider using financial aid to pay for an accredited Executive MBA.
• Accredited Green MBA — You can use student financial aid for a Green MBA, one of the new specialty MBA degrees.

Scholarships

Scholarships are perhaps the best source of funding for an AACSB accredited online MBA. Essentially, scholarship money is free money that can be used to pay for an online MBA accredited by the proper agency. To qualify for an MBA scholarship, students must generally demonstrate academic process through a high GPA. Letters of recommendation, evidence of community service, and other requirements are also typically set forth for those who want a scholarship for an MBA online accredited by the proper association. Scholarships for online accredited MBA programs are available both through the institutions themselves and through private associations and groups.

• NBMBAA Scholarships — African American students can qualify for scholarships from the National Black MBA Association.
• Scholarship Search — The College Board sponsors this site to help students find scholarships for many different programs.

Grants

Like scholarships, grants are free money that can be used toward accredited MBA online degrees. Unlike scholarships, however, tuition grants for an online accredited MBA are usually based primarily on financial need. This is not to say that academic promise is not taken into account, for many grants that can be used for an AACSB accredited online MBA also take academic achievement into account when evaluating candidates for awards. Nevertheless, one must demonstrate true financial need to qualify for a grant toward an accredited online MBA, whereas need does not need to be demonstrated to qualify for most MBA scholarships.

Students demonstrate their financial need through completing a FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form allows students to report their financial standing, and it is required for any governmental grant or loan. So, filling out this form can never hurt, as institutions take it into account when considering many different types of financial assistance.

• FAFSA — Here is the homepage for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Loans

Finally, students may finance online MBA programs accredited by the appropriate agency through privately funded or government-sponsored student loans. With a student loan, you borrow money to pay the tuition costs for an online MBA accredited by the right agency. You then pay back the lender over time. Often, you can defer payment until after you have completed your accredited MBA online. Waiting until then, however, may cause your costs to increase, as interest is often capitalized on the loan balance for those who do not start repaying their loans until after finishing their online accredited MBA programs.

Government-sponsored loans for an MBA online accredited by the proper agency often have lower interest rates than private loans. That does not mean, however, that you should discount private loans for an accredited online MBA. Some students may not qualify for a government loan, but they may qualify for a private loan to pay for an accredited online MBA program.

• Avoiding Deceptive Loan Offers — This PDF has some excellent advice on avoiding deceptive loan offers and practices.

Maintaining balance between your personal life and work is difficult enough, but when a person decides to enroll in an accredited online MBA program, it can become even more difficult. Deciding to go back to school to further educational and career goals is exciting but there will be challenges the student will be forced to face. There will be times when they feel as though sticking to their obligations and responsibilities will seem to be too problematic and impossible, but with the right strategy, students can find a healthy, satisfying way to balance work, life, and an accredited online MBA program. When this balance is found, they will be able to meet their obligations in a way that will make the process stress free, more comfortable and enjoyable.

Most people who have decided to find an accredited online MBA program are already working a full-time job. This means they work forty or more hours each week. They get up early and may come home late, or they may get home just in time to take care of other responsibilities such as cleaning or cooking. If the student has children, they may have sports activities and have to help with homework, not to mention fitting in a little quality time with the family. As life is not busy enough, enrolling in an accredited MBA online program can make it feel like there is barely have time to breathe, let alone perform at their best while in school. How does someone with so much on their plate already find that work/school/life balance? It comes down to prioritizing obligations and setting aside a certain amount of time to get things accomplished.

Before enrolling in any online accredited MBA programs keep a journal of what a typical week is like. Write down the time you head to and from work, how long it takes you to pick up your kids, attend activities, cook dinner, help with homework, and spend a little quality time with the family. As you will likely see after keeping track, you do not have much down time to add in an online MBA accredited education with the exception of late evenings and weekends. Then again, even on weekends, if your children are in some type of sport activities, you’ll have practices, games, or performances to attend. Take a long hard look at your documented week and start thinking about where you can free up some time for an online MBA accredited education. This is something you will have to discuss with your family because you will need their support and understanding.

You may have to skip a game or two to complete your accredited online MBA coursework. You may ask your spouse or a family member to help the kids with their homework so you can complete yours. You may have to forget about taking a weekend day at the beach so you can study. Sacrifices will have to be made and that is why you will need a strong support system. Discuss this with them and involve them in your decision to return to online accredited MBA programs to further your career. Explain to them that by you attending an accredited online MBA college or university the whole family will benefit after you have earned your degree. They benefit because shortly after you complete online MBA programs accredited degrees promotions and higher income are likely to follow. The higher income will help free up some money so the family can take the occasional family vacation.

Once you have determined that you can put the time and effort in to enroll and complete an MBA online accredited institution it is time to find a good school. The main thing to pay attention to is the accreditation. An accredited online MBA institution will give you the education and skills you need to be successful. Online MBA programs accredited by AACSB are notorious for providing the flexibility most busy adults need. With online accredited MBA programs, you are given due dates on assignments which can be worked on during the free time you have after making those little sacrifices. You can study and complete AACSB accredited online MBA assignments during your lunch break, late evenings, and weekends.

You have monitored your week, made cuts to free up time where you could, you have the support from your family, and you’ve enrolled in an accredited MBA online program. Schedule blocks of time in which you absolutely must study or work on school accredited MBA online assignments. Being a non-traditional student in an AACSB accredited online MBA program gives you flexibility but it is never a good idea to abuse that by procrastinating. Waiting until the last-minute will add massive amounts of stress and you will be rushing to complete things in time. By rushing through your AACSB accredited online MBA coursework and feeling stressed, you are less likely to put as much effort into what you’re doing which in turn will negatively affect your grades.

Returning to an MBA online accredited university to earn a degree can be a wonderful decision. It is a great way to, not only gain more knowledge and skill, but give yourself the leverage you need to be promoted within your organization. MBA online accredited institutions provide adults with the flexibility they need to help balance their work/family/school life. Online MBA programs accredited by the AACSB have shown and proven their dedication to educating their students by receiving this stamp of approval.

The following links contain resources and helpful information you should know about online MBA accredited programs.

• AACSB Accredited Programs
• Why an Accredited MBA?
• History of Accreditation
• What’s an MBA Really Worth?
• Desired Outcome of an MBA Education
• Writing an MBA Resume
• Getting an MBA
• The ROI on the MBA

Students who have made the decision to earn an MBA Master’s in Business Administration must determine which program is appropriate for them. The right program will give the student the necessary knowledge and training to move forward in his or her business career. Today, a student has a few options when it comes to earning an MBA degree. A student can earn an accredited online MBA or take courses to earn the degree in a traditional classroom environment. The decision depends in part on the student’s work and family obligations. The following are some of the benefits and drawbacks connected with both accredited online MBA programs and MBA courses taught in a traditional way.

Online MBA programs, accredited especially, hold a lot of appeal for many 21^st century students. It’s extremely likely that most MBA students are already working in the business world. Therefore, many don’t have the time to regularly attend traditional MBA programs. Online accredited MBA programs can help an ambitious business person fulfill his or her dream of earning an advanced degree. These accredited online MBA courses can be taken on a schedule that suits the busy work life of a student. Many online MBA programs, accredited by the AACSB, allow students the option of tailoring a schedule of courses to fit their needs. Alternatively, an MBA student taking traditional courses to earn the degree would have to attend class at a specified time in a classroom or miss the important class material. Another benefit to online MBA programs accredited by the AACSB is the lack of travel time. An MBA student can simply sit down in a place where there is Internet access and learn the lessons of the course. Quiet places such as the library or a student’s home are both ideal environments for partaking in accredited online MBA courses. In addition, a student who takes an accredited online MBA program is learning from a highly qualified educational institution. Employers will look favorably on a person who graduates from an AACSB accredited online MBA program.

Some of the students who consider online accredited MBA programs decide that they want to pursue the degree in a traditional learning environment due to various drawbacks. For instance, online accredited MBA programs require a student to do a lot of work independently. Many MBA students feel that they learn better while in the company of other students. Another drawback of MBA online accredited programs is that some students aren’t able to maintain the discipline required for online study. The learning style of a student must match up with the nature of online learning in order for the student to be successful.

Many students prefer traditional MBA courses taken in a classroom to accredited online MBA courses. One of the benefits of traditional MBA courses is the atmosphere of a classroom full of students who are excited about the subject matter. Many traditional learners are invigorated and inspired by their fellow students. Other students choose traditional MBA courses over accredited online MBA courses because of the one-on-one interaction with an instructor. A person in a traditional class can stay afterward to talk to the professor about a topic in class while a person studying in an online MBA accredited course must contact the professor via email or telephone. A student who learns best amongst other students would likely choose traditional MBA courses over an accredited online MBA program.

Traditional courses have their drawbacks as well. For example, a student attending an MBA program in a traditional school needs to drive to the school and attend a class at a particular time every week. A student needs to buy gas for a car or arrange for alternate transportation to attend a traditional MBA course. Alternatively, if a student signs up for an AACSB accredited online MBA program, he or she can avoid traveling to and from a school. Also, the courses necessary to earn an AACSB accredited online MBA can be arranged to meet the scheduling needs of most students. Some students who are easily distracted by the activities/habits of other students may not benefit from taking a traditional MBA program. The independent nature of an MBA online accredited program removes the distractions of other students and allows a learner to focus on the lesson material. In fact, when students participate in MBA online accredited courses they have a great deal of control over their learning environment. Of course, a student in an online MBA accredited program must ask family members not to disturb them during class time. Also, a student in a traditional MBA program may not be able to complete the program as fast as a student who is taking online MBA accredited courses. There are a certain number of traditional MBA courses per semester whereas online accredited MBA courses can be more flexible.

When settling on the right MBA program, a student should envision him or herself in traditional MBA courses as well as in online accredited MBA courses. This can be helpful in determining the chances for success in each mode of learning. A person must also be honest about his or her study habits. Does the person have the discipline to devote the necessary study time to an accredited MBA online program? The independence involved in an online accredited MBA may tempt some students to neglect their studies. Other students love the independence of an accredited MBA online program. A person must be honest about whether he or she will be able to maintain a high level of enthusiasm while participating in an accredited MBA online program. Some students may falter in their enthusiasm while others would be able to maintain a high level of enthusiasm for an accredited online MBA program. Enthusiasm and energy are certainly advantages for someone who is pursuing an advanced level of business education.

Finally, once a student has made the decision between traditional MBA courses and an accredited online MBA program he or she can go about researching a variety of reputable educational institutions. Regardless of whether a student chooses a traditional or accredited online MBA program, he or she has certainly taken a step toward success in his or her business specialty.

For further information regarding online MBA programs and traditional MBAs, please visit:

• Information on Green MBAs
• MBAs in the Field of Accounting
• MBA in the Area of International Business
• Online Study and Executive MBAs
• Reasons Why to Select an MBA that is Accredited
• MBA with a Marketing Focus

As far as graduate education goes, the master of business administration (MBA) degree is among the most popular graduate degrees in the United States. There is always a market for knowledgeable managers, executives, and team leaders, and the MBA is the ideal preparation for these positions. This is true in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds, as effective leadership is needed to advance the mission of a company or institution whether or not it generates a profit to distribute to shareholders.

If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, then you need to know that an accredited online MBA will help your career in the long term. In fact, there are several distinct benefits that you can enjoy if you successfully complete an online accredited MBA from one of the many online MBA programs accredited by the proper agencies.

Salary Potential for Graduates of Online Accredited MBA Programs

Financial considerations are among the most important factors we all take into account when we choose our career path and look for a job. We not only want a good starting salary, but we also look for a good earning potential over the course of our employment. Fortunately, when it comes to your average salary, a good online MBA can help you make more than if you just stop your education with a graduate degree.

The major accrediting body for business schools, departments, and programs is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Long-term studies have shown that an AACSB accredited online MBA or an MBA accredited by another major accrediting body greatly increases the average salary for its recipients. Students who complete one of the many online MBA programs accredited by a recognized accrediting agency earn a starting salary that is roughly 50 percent greater than the starting salary that most people earn when they only possess an undergraduate qualification.

If this starting salary potential were not good enough, you should also be aware that the annual wage growth for those who have an MBA online accredited by the AACSB or other agency is more than 2 percent greater than average inflation growth. Given the potential of inflation to eat into your earnings this fact is incredible and reason enough to seriously consider earning an accredited MBA online. An AACSB accredited online MBA is the best choice for financial security if you are going to be an MBA student.

Finally, it is also notable that you need not necessarily go to a business school that is internationally known in order to receive these benefits. Studies have shown that an accredited MBA online program is all that is really required to enjoy a higher earning potential than those who do not have an MBA. In fact, lesser-known schools often produce graduates that earn more than those who graduate from institutions that would be recognized even by the general public. So, an accredited MBA online that is from an institution that is not actually very famous will still benefit you. Thus, you have one more reason to consider an online accredited MBA.

• MBA Pay: A Crystal Ball
• The Return on Investment on the MBA

Workforce Participation for Graduates from Online MBA Programs Accredited by the AACSB or Other Agency

Enrolling in an accredited online MBA program is also a no-brainer when you consider the facts related to employment and workforce participation for those who complete an AACSB accredited online MBA. Individuals with graduate professional degrees such as the MBA are more likely to be a part of the workforce than those who only have an undergraduate degree. Unemployment rates for those who have finished one of the many online accredited MBA programs is also about 25 percent less than the unemployment rate of those without a graduate degree.

• Accredited Online MBA Programs
• MBA Students Report Improved Full-Time Employment

Career Fulfillment for Graduates of an Accredited Online MBA Program

Of course, financial and workplace participation statistics may not be enough to convince you to enroll in an online MBA accredited by the appropriate agency. Many people are fully employed and earn a good salary even though they are in jobs that they hate. So, another good way to decide whether an accredited online MBA is right for you is to consider if it can help you get the job that you actually want.

Here there is also good news, for an online accredited MBA is almost certain to increase your chances of getting the job that you want. This is particularly true when you are one of the few applicants for a position that possess a graduate degree. If your resume includes an MBA online accredited by the AACSB or other recognized agency, then a potential employer will be far more likely to see that you possess the skills and experience necessary for the job of your choice. Once you have earned an online MBA accredited by a recognized agency, you should make sure to talk about your education and the benefits that it offers you and a prospective employer when you are interviewing for a job. This is the best way to get the most out of any of the online accredited MBA programs that you might choose, so be sure to talk up your success in the accredited online MBA program in which you enroll.

• Online MBA Accredited for Management
• Reasons Why You Must Choose an MBA Online Accredited Degree

No one wants to spend money on a useless degree. The best way to avoid wasting your time and effort on a worthless MBA is to make sure that you consider only accredited online MBA programs when you are looking into a graduate business education. Enrolling in one of the many online MBA programs accredited by a recognized accrediting agency is the best way to ensure that the degree you earn will be worth the effort and money you put into it. What is accreditation and what are its benefits? Read on to find out.

What Is MBA Accreditation?

As with any other degree, accreditation for MBA programs is a process by which an independent third party certifies whether or not a particular business school, department, or program meets certain quality standards. Accredited institutions must prove that they have the proper faculty, study facilities, self-evaluation procedures and other elements that are necessary for students to receive a sound education. Accreditation is a long process for those institutions and programs that seek it, but it is a way to demonstrate to students and the government that degree-granting entities are not degree mills.

In the United States, accreditation is granted at both the institutional and program level. Institutions are usually accredited as a whole by a recognized regional accrediting body such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. There is also specialized accreditation that certifies the quality of specific programs, schools, or colleges within a larger university. The most respected MBA-specific accreditation is granted through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). An AACSB accredited online MBA program has proven to the AACSB that it is a quality educational program in business administration.

• AACSB Accredited Online MBA Degree Programs

The MBA Accreditation Process

Generally speaking, online MBA programs accredited by the AACSB are offered through colleges or universities that have already earned institutional accreditation. Thus, these universities have already demonstrated that they have met certain institutional standards of quality. AACSB accreditation is the next step in the process, and it is awarded only after a lengthy process of evaluation.

An AACSB accredited online MBA must meet standards that were first developed in 1919 and have been continually updated since then. Institutions must first be a member of the AACSB and then submit a list of business degree programs that they want accredited. Certain programs may be excluded depending on a variety of factors, but once the AACSB has determined which programs are actually seeking accreditation, the process of accrediting the institution can begin.

Accredited online MBA programs must demonstrate several strengths in order to win MBA accreditation. Because of the diverse world and globalized economy in which we all live and function, online MBA programs accredited by the AACSB must exhibit a good deal of diversity in their student body and faculty. A code of ethics for both students and teachers must also be present, along with penalties for violations. There must also be at least two consecutive years of graduates with the degree before accreditation can be granted.

In addition to these fundamental requirements, accredited online MBA programs will also have demonstrated that they educate students in line with an institutional mission statement. Faculty will have proved their ability to make original contributions to their field through the documentation of published works. Measures for self-evaluation and improvement must also be in place, along with the necessary institutional infrastructure to help registered students research and study.

• History of MBA Accreditation

Benefits of Accreditation

Benefits of accreditation go beyond simply assuring students that they will receive a quality education. Students who want to go on for doctoral study almost always need an MBA that is fully accredited. An AACSB accredited online MBA, therefore, can qualify a student for another advanced degree. Furthermore, accredited MBA programs are more widely recognized in the job market than programs that have not been accredited. It is therefore easier to prove that you possess the necessary skills for a particular job when you hold an accredited degree. Thus, you are always wise to earn a qualification from a properly accredited institution.

• Why Choose an Accredited MBA

Higher Education Act

The first accrediting agencies were created in the 1880s to created educational standards. These standards made it much easier to transfer courses and credits between schools both in the US and around the world. Most of these first accreditation agencies were regional based. it was not until 1918 that the first national association was credited. In 1965, the Higher education Act was put into place by Congress. This act regulates accreditation, and allows the Department of education to disburse some funds.

The History of Different Types of Accreditation’s & Accrediting Bodies

There are several different accreditation agencies, with certain agencies specializing in specific types of programs such as graduate programs in business.

History of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – AACSB

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – This accreditation agency is specifically for undergraduate and graduate business programs. It started in 1916 and produced its first set of standards in 1919. AACSB online MBA programs are those that are part of the AACSB accredited university, as the online course meets the same standards as the university courses.

History of the International assembly for Collegiate Business Education – IACBE

International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) – The IACBE provides accreditation to business programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2011 his accreditation agency was recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. the six main standards include academic quality, employing appropriate and fair procedures, encourages planning and self-scrutiny, demonstrates accountability, posses the necessary resources and demonstrates review of practices.

History of the Association of MBAs – AMBA

The Association of MBAs (AMBA) – The AMBA accredits MBM, DBA and MBA programs in more than 180 business schools found in more than 70 countries. Specifically this accreditation agency accredits programs rather than the university. This ensures that the highest standards are met with standards drawn up and revised by the top academic in the world. this agency offers accredited online MBA programs as well as those that require classroom study.

History of the European Quality Insurance System – EQUIS

European Quality Insurance System (EQUIS) – This accreditation agency evaluates entire institutions and does not focus only on the program. Specifically EQUIS focuses on management education and looks not only at the academics, but community outreach, executive education provision and e-learning.

History of Council for Higher Education Accreditation – CHEA

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) – CHEA recognizes more than 60 accrediting organizations and is the largest higher education organization in the US. This is the main accrediting body that is used by the US Department of Education and the US Congress.  Besides offering accreditation it also identifies emerging problems within education quality.

History of Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs – ACBSP

Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) – This agency specializes in accreditation for business education. It was founded in 1988 and was created specifically to fill the need for business education standards. In particular this agency focuses on the quality of teaching.

History of European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education – ENQA

European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) – This agency specifically provides accreditation for schools in Europe ensuring quality in higher education. it was established in 2000 and was designed specifically for association within the countries of Europe.

History of National Business Education Accreditation Council – NBEAC

National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC) – Specifically this accreditation agency provides accreditation to management Sciences, Public administration and business administration programs. This is not for universities but for the specific degrees.

History of Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools – ACICS

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) – This agency offers accreditation to educational institutes that offer programs up to the Masters level. It accredits the entire school not just the business or MBA program. It was create din 1912 as is the largest accrediting organization in the US.

History of Distance Education and Training Council – DETC

Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) -  This agency specializes in distance learning universities and programs which include online MBA programs. It was developed specifically to deal with the fraud occurring through distance learning in 1926 and was recognized in 1959 by the US Office of Education.

Accredited Online MBA Majors:

There are many accredited online mba programs to consider.  Its important that you examine each one as they relate to your future career path and previous degree and work experience.  Below are some of the most popular accredited mba majors.

• Accredited Marketing MBA
• Accredited Finance MBA
• Accredited Healthcare MBA
• Accredited Green MBA
• Accredited Management MBA
• Accredited Executive MBA
• Accredited International Business MBA

• Your degree from an accredited school:
• Will be accepted by other universities.
• Tells the general public that you have earned a true MBA.
• It also means that the education you receive is known as one from a University that consistently offers a quality education.
• It says that you have attended a trusted institution.

To earn accreditation for its MBA program the school is evaluated by an accreditation agency that is recognized by United States Department of Education. If your online mba program does not receive accreditation from an agency recognized by the department of education it is essentially worthless.

The accreditation may be regional, professional or distance learning. It must be on the following list of agencies or else the school that you choose to attend may be nothing more than a diploma mill and you are wasting your time and money.

Accreditation helps insure that the Online MBA program you select meets stringent minimum guidelines that will benefit you in the business world. Research carefully the online MBA programs you are interested in and make certain it has the proper accreditation.

Accredited Online MBA Programs:

If your interested in pursuing a accredited online mba program then consider some of the more popular programs listed below.

• Accredited Marketing MBA
• Accredited Finance MBA
• Accredited Healthcare MBA
• Accredited Green MBA
• Accredited Management MBA
• Accredited Executive MBA
• Accredited International Business MBA

Important Reasons You Should Select an Accredited Online MBA. :

Below are some of the goals/objectives that accredited online mba  should follow, most of which you will notice are elements that employers look for in qualified business candidates:

1. Enhance and develop previous relevant experience in business and management;
2. Prepare students for leadership and transformational roles in business;
3. Develop strategic thinking, innovation and entrepreneurial skills;
4. Develop an understanding and provide experience of global business issues, including the potential contribution that business can make to solving these issues;
5. Develop the ability to apply previous and newly acquired knowledge and experience to complex business issues in a range of contexts;
6. Develop knowledge, at an advanced level, of organizations, their management and the environment in which they operate;
7. Develop an understanding of responsible risk management and sustainable value creation on the basis of the environmental, social and governance impacts of business
8. Develop interpersonal and group-working skills; and,
9. Encourage lifelong learning and personal development.

Courses/Curriculum that Accredited Online MBA Programs Must Cover

For an MBA program to earn accreditation it must teach the core elements needed in business including:

• marketing
• the economic and legal environment of a business
• accounting and quantitative methods
• finance
• organizational theory
• interpersonal skills
• information technology
• risk
• ethics
• CSR
• entrepreneurship
• processes and practices of management

Finally, programs should be full time for one year, or part time for two years. Direct contact hours between faculty and students should equal 500 hours and total student time spent on the program should be about 1700 hours.

Regional Accreditation

Regional Accrediting Bodies are the most widely respected and known of all the legitimate third party agencies. They do not directly accredit Online MBA Programs, but the University, School or College itself, and if it is accredited then by default your Online MBA Degree is.They consist of:

Middle States Commission on Higher Educations (info@msche.org)

This organization accredits schools in the following states:

• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• Virgin Islands

New England Association of Colleges and Schools (kwillis@neasc.orgneasc.org)

This organization accredits schools in the following sates located in the New England area:

• Connecticut
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (info@ncacihe.org)

This association accredits schools in states located in the north central part of the U.S.:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (northwest@boisestate.edu)

The Northwest Association handles accreditation of schools located mostly in the northwest:

• Alaska
• Idaho
• Montana
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Utah
• Washington

Professional Accreditation

Professional accreditation is not the same as regional accreditation, it can be more specialized and focused. One of the most important professional accreditations for the online mba is the AACSB.

The Association To Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation and the Online MBA

The AACSB, contrary to popular belief does not actually accredit any Online MBA Programs. It typically accredits the college of business that is granting the Online MBA. The online mba program itself is certainly reviewed and evaluated as part of the accreditation process, which is why many prospective students often look for AACSB Accredited Online MBA Programs. It has earned the respect of many employers who trust that graduates of programs accreditated by this group have received an excellent education. It is the most relevant and sought after accreditation for business schools, and typically only the best colleges achieve this accreditation. While this credential may be coveted, it is not required and frankly some employers don’t understand its value and tend to be more focused on your major, or the brand of the school.

Distance Learning AccrediTation

The Distance Education and Training Council is an accreditation agency that works only with distance learning programs. While better than no accreditation at all, MBA programs from schools with only this accreditation are less well regarded than programs with other accreditation credentials.

Schools that enjoy accreditation offer legitimate financial aid to eligible students, maintain close contact with the business world to provide both internships and externships and have active placement offices for new graduates as well as alumni.

The Accreditation Process

The first step in the accreditation process for the accrediting agency to review the school’s goals, charter and mission. Also examined is the school’s independence from higher authority if it is part of a larger University. Financial security and continuation of financial integrity is important.

The faculty is reviewed. It is expected that at least 75 percent of all faculty hold an advanced degree, with the majority of faculty having doctorate degrees. Research programs should have an international application and be conducted in an appropriate manner.

Management of the program should encompass student feedback. The program must have strong academic leadership as well as suitable administrative support for it.

Students in the program should have at least three years experience in the work world, the ideal average for a class is five years. Students accepted into the program must have demonstrated by prior academic work their ability. A diverse student body of no less than 20 is highly recommended.