• School accreditation is the most important factor to consider when deciding on an online MBA program. Proper accreditation could mean the difference between an online MBA degree that gets you a promotion and a degree that isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. Anyone can make up a “fake” accrediting agency, and many diploma mills will boast of accreditation from organizations that sound professional. However, not every accrediting agency gets respect in the real world. There are three types of accreditation agencies that are essential to consider when earning an MBA online: regional accreditation, professional accreditation, and distance learning accreditation.

    • Professional Accreditation The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) grants accreditation to MBA and other business programs. AACSB is a well-established, respected accrediting agency that is trusted by many employers in the field of business. Graduating from an online MBA program that is accredited by the AACSB may give your resume an extra boost. Some employers may be more likely to hire you because of your school’s accreditation. However, AACSB accreditation is not necessary. If your alma mater is regionally accredited, most employers will still be willing to hire you.

    Regional Accreditation

    Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted type of accreditation. If you want your online MBA to be recognized by future employers, you’ll want to make sure to enroll in a school that has regional accreditation. There are six regional accrediting agencies that grant this recognition. Although your MBA classes will be held online, the school itself should be accredited by one of the six agencies:

    Middle States Commission on Higher Education (info@msche.org) – Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

    New England Association of Colleges and Schools (kwillis@neasc.org) – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

    North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (info@ncacihe.org) – 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) – Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington

    Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (info@sacscasi.org) – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia

    Western Association of Schools and Colleges (wascsr@wascsenior.org) – California, Hawaii, the Pacific Basin