History of Accreditation

Accreditation has become a critical factor in selecting the right degree program, and that is especially true when selecting an accredited online mba, find out why and learn more about the history of accreditation and the agencies which support it.  Accreditation began in the United States as a way to ensure that a basic level of education or quality of education is met. The level was needed in order for programs and universities to receive federal funds, such as research money, grants and Stafford loans. Private educational associations, not the government, was used to evaluate the different educational institutes, providing accreditation at a regional and national level. Most college and university accreditation institutes must be recognized by the US Department of education. The same process recognized by the federal government is also used by states in order for the schools to receive state funds.

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