Business Standards

 

July 1, 2021 Update

In the spirit of continuous improvement, AACSB enhances the accreditation standards and interpretive guidance annually. Updates are based on feedback from peer review teams, accreditation committees, deans, accounting program administrators, and other representatives from the AACSB business education community. On July 1, 2021, AACSB released its annual update to the 2020 Guiding Principles and Standards for Business Accreditation and Interpretive Guidance. These updates are intended to provide greater clarification and do not represent material changes. As such, these standards are effective immediately. View a summary of key updates to the to the business accreditation standards and interpretive guidance.

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The fundamental purpose of AACSB accreditation is to encourage business schools to hold themselves accountable for improving business practice through a commitment to strategic management, learner success, and impactful thought leadership. AACSB achieves this purpose by defining a set of guiding principles and standards, coordinating peer review and consultation, and recognizing high-quality business schools that meet the standards and actively engage in the process.

Development of the 2020 Business Accreditation Standards

AACSB has continued to revise its business accreditation standards to improve relevancy, maintain currency, and increase value.  An appointed Business Accreditation Task Force, with widespread input from member schools, developed  the current business standards, which were adopted by the AACSB Accreditation Council in July 2020.

The nine standards are organized into three categories: strategic management and innovation; learner success; and thought leadership, engagement, and societal impact. View a comparison of the 2013 and 2020 business accreditation standards.

Transition Guidelines

The transition period for adopting the 2020 business accreditation standards will take place between January 2021 and June 2023. During this time, schools can choose to be reviewed under either the 2013 or 2020 business standards. If your school has questions regarding the transition, please contact your AACSB accreditation staff liaison.

Beginning July 1, 2023, all schools will be reviewed under the 2020 standards during their next scheduled visit.