You think it is time for the next step in your career development and have come to the conclusion that a distance-learning MBA might be the best way to achieve this. But have you given any thought as to whether a specific program is one of the accredited MBA programs?
The choice for distance-learning MBAs or online MBAs is ample and generally speaking, information and reviews such as rankings are not as readily available as for their on-campus counterparts. For this reason, it is of vital importance to examine and research thoroughly before enrolling in one of the many available alternatives. Whatever specialisation and school you may choose, make sure you opt for one of the accredited MBA programs. Accreditation is key: it will ensure that the school meets certain quality criteria which have been set by an objective third party, it will allow you to apply for government funding and it will guarantee that upon completion of your studies your degree will be accepted and valued by your future employer.
There are different bodies that accredit business schools and MBA programs. The most well-known and reputable ones are the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), both of which accredit business schools worldwide and have themselves been accredited by the US Council for Higher Education. Apart from these, the European-based European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) also enjoys an excellent reputation and accredits business schools around the globe. Accreditation from any one of these bodies will mean that the business school as a whole meets high quality standards. Accreditation of the business school will generally also entail accreditation for its online MBA program, but you should do your research carefully nonetheless and check that these facts are true for any given institution. Some programs might also be accredited by the renowned UK-based Association of MBAs (AMBA), which directly accredits the MBA programs of a school as opposed to the business school as a whole.
Summing up, before comparing the online MBA courses that you are interested in for cost, rankings, faculty and all the other factors that you have on your mind, make sure you choose accredited MBA programs which have earned their accreditation from at least one of the bodies mentioned above. Your career will thank you for it.
