AACSB

AACSB International is a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing quality in business education worldwide. It accredits business schools and, in some cases, specific accounting programs, and it offers member services, research, and professional development to its institutions.

Founded in 1916 as the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, the organization adopted its current name in 2001 to reflect its global reach. It is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

Accreditation is the central activity of AACSB. The process requires a school to demonstrate mission alignment, qualified faculty, scholarly activity, and robust learning outcomes. A self-evaluation report is followed by a peer-review site visit and a formal decision by AACSB's accrediting bodies. Accredited institutions commit to ongoing improvement through periodic reports and assurance of learning. Standards emphasize strategic management, innovation in pedagogy, and evidence of high-quality teaching and learning; accounting programs may pursue a separate accounting accreditation track within AACSB.

Impact and scope: AACSB's accreditation is widely regarded as a hallmark of quality in business education and is pursued by many leading schools worldwide. The organization also provides research, thought leadership, and professional development resources to member schools and individual faculty.

Criticism and challenges: Like other accreditors, AACSB faces scrutiny over cost, administrative burden, and the balance between research productivity and teaching-focused missions. Proponents argue that its standards encourage accountability, continuous improvement, and global comparability.