Business Accreditation

AACSB makes annual technical updates to ensure clarity and relevance. These edits do not alter the standards proper (the bold text in green boxes), which fall under the purview of the Accreditation Council. However, all other parts of the standards document, including the Interpretive Guidance, are reviewed and updated by the Business Accreditation Policy Committee (BAPC) (see p. 7 of the standards document).

BAPC, which includes representatives from the Americas, Asia Pacific, and EMEA, ensures the standards reflect the needs of accredited schools worldwide. The latest version of the standards is effective February 28, 2025, and is available on our website.

Yes, technical edits typically take effect on July 1 each year. However, due to the evolving political climate in the U.S., we accelerated this update to mitigate potential risks for both our schools and AACSB.

There are two key updates:

1. Revised language around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to reflect the evolving global and political landscape.
2. Clarification on scholarly academic (SA) status, specifying that faculty must publish peer-reviewed journal articles (PRJs) to maintain SA status. Previous language said faculty must publish peer-reviewed publications, so this is a clarification only, not a change in criteria.

DEI terminology has become politically charged in the U.S., with the current administration issuing two Executive Orders and the Department of Education releasing a Dear Colleague letter, signaling a significant shift in federal policy. These changes increase the risk of potential impacts on accreditation, institutional funding, and nonprofit status.

As of February 27, 2025, the majority of U.S. states have enacted legislation restricting DEI-related initiatives. You can track developments through the Chronicle of Higher Education’s DEI Legislation Tracker.

AACSB has received numerous inquiries from schools in these states expressing concern about potential risks associated with DEI language in accreditation standards. To support and protect our members and mitigate risk while staying true to our mission of elevating the quality and impact of business schools globally, AACSB removed or rephrased the terms "diversity" and "inclusion" and their derivatives from the standards.

No. Our values—Members First, Inclusivity, Global Unity, Excellence, and Curiosity—remain steadfast as we navigate this evolving landscape together. AACSB remains fully committed to fostering a community that values a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Creating an inclusive and engaging environment is essential to student success. We continue to uphold these principles while using language that more accurately reflects the breadth, scope, and global context of our mission.

Yes. AACSB remains fully committed to societal impact and the principle that business can be a force for good. AACSB’s standards are principles-based, meaning we do not prescribe how schools should contribute to society. Schools determine their approach based on their mission, resources, and local considerations.

No, a redline version is not necessary, as the updates consist of revised wording and a clarification on SA status, neither of which materially change accreditation criteria.

The standards update is effective immediately, except for the scholarly academic (SA) status change, which includes a one-year transition period.

Yes. AACSB staff will review all materials in the coming weeks and update them as needed.

No. The DEI-related language updates are not substantive and will have minimal impact on accredited and in-process schools. Schools will have one year to align with the technical edit related to Standard 3.

Business schools worldwide have the autonomy to design programs that best serve their students. AACSB does not prescribe programming and advises schools to remain aware of applicable state and national laws.