Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ACBSP

Overview

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is a U.S.-based, globally recognized accrediting body dedicated to advancing excellence in business education. Established in 1988, ACBSP offers accreditation to business programs at all degree levels—from associate through doctoral—emphasizing teaching excellence, student learning outcomes and continuous improvement. As of 2024, ACBSP accredits nearly 3,000 programs across over 430 campuses worldwide, including institutions in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1988 by a group of business educators, ACBSP was created to provide an alternative to traditional research-focused accrediting bodies by emphasizing teaching quality and student outcomes. Initially known as the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the organization changed its name to the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs in 2010 to better reflect its mission and scope. ACBSP has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) since 2001, ensuring its compliance with national quality standards for accreditation.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

ACBSP's mission is to recognize and ensure excellence in business education programs worldwide and promote their continuous improvement and accountability within the business education community. The organization's vision is to be the premier global accrediting body for business programs, fostering a culture of teaching excellence and student success. ACBSP's objectives include:

• Accrediting business programs at all degree levels, from associate to doctoral.
• Promoting continuous improvement in business education through a focus on teaching and learning outcomes.
• Providing a peer-review accreditation process that supports institutions in achieving and maintaining high standards.
• Encouraging a global network of business schools committed to excellence and innovation in education.

Governance, Structure and Independence

ACBSP operates as a member-driven organization with a governance structure that includes a Board of Directors, Boards of Commissioners for different degree levels and a Council of Regional Chairs representing various geographical regions. This structure ensures that decisions are made collaboratively and reflect the diverse needs of its member institutions. The organization maintains its independence by adhering to established accreditation standards and processes, separate from governmental influence, while still aligning with national quality expectations set by bodies like CHEA.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ACBSP's accreditation process is designed to evaluate business programs based on rigorous standards that emphasize teaching excellence and student learning outcomes. The organization's standards are modeled on the Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, Baldrige National Quality Program, focusing on areas such as leadership, strategic planning, student and stakeholder focus, measurement and analysis of student learning, faculty qualifications and curriculum design. This comprehensive approach ensures that accredited programs provide high-quality education that prepares students for success in the global business environment.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ACBSP has a global presence, accrediting institutions in over 60 countries. The organization fosters international cooperation by aligning its accreditation standards with global best practices and engaging in partnerships with other accrediting bodies and educational organizations. This international network facilitates the exchange of knowledge and resources, enhancing the quality of business education worldwide and supporting the mobility of students and graduates across borders.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ACBSP's emphasis on teaching excellence and student learning outcomes has influenced the landscape of business education by encouraging institutions to focus on the quality of instruction and the effectiveness of their programs. The organization's commitment to continuous improvement and accountability has led to the development of best practices that are adopted by accredited institutions. Looking forward, ACBSP aims to expand its global reach, enhance its accreditation processes through technological advancements and continue to support institutions in delivering high-quality business education that meets the evolving needs of students and employers.

Summary

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of business education by providing accreditation that emphasizes teaching excellence, student learning outcomes and continuous improvement. With a global network of accredited institutions, ACBSP contributes to the enhancement of business education standards worldwide, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the global business environment.

FAQs

• What is ACBSP?
  ACBSP is a global accrediting body that evaluates and accredits business programs at all degree levels, focusing on teaching excellence and student learning outcomes.
• Why is ACBSP accreditation important?
  ACBSP accreditation signifies that a business program meets rigorous standards of quality, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the business world.
• How does ACBSP evaluate programs?
  ACBSP evaluates programs based on standards modeled on the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, assessing areas such as leadership, strategic planning, student learning and faculty qualifications.
• Is ACBSP recognized by other organizations?
  Yes, ACBSP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and collaborates with other accrediting bodies and educational organizations worldwide.
• How can an institution become accredited by ACBSP?
  Institutions can apply for accreditation by submitting an application, undergoing a peer-review evaluation process and demonstrating compliance with ACBSP's accreditation standards.

Organization Name

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Acronym

ACBSP

Year of Establishment

1/01/1988

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

391

Address

11520 West 119th Street
Overland Park
66213 Kansas United States

Phone

+1 (913) 339 9356

Fax

+1 (913) 339 6226

List of universities offering programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP):

1. Alabama
   1. Alabama State University - Montgomery
   2. Athens State University - Athens
   3. Columbia Southern University - Orange Beach
   4. The University of West Alabama - Livingston
   5. United States Sports University - Daphne
   6. University of Mobile - Mobile
2. Alaska
   1. University of Alaska Southeast - Juneau
3. Arizona
   1. American InterContinental University System - Chandler
   2. American InterContinental University System - Trident University Int'l. Branch Campus - Chandler
   3. American Intercontinental University System - California Southern University (Branch Campus) - Chandler
   4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Campus - Prescott
   5. Grand Canyon University - Phoenix
   6. Park University - Gilbert Campus - Gilbert
   7. University of Phoenix - Central Administration - Phoenix
   8. University of Phoenix - Online - Phoenix
   9. University of Phoenix - Phoenix Campus - Phoenix
4. California
   1. Alliant International University - San Diego
   2. Biola University - La Mirada
   3. California Baptist University - Division of Online & Professional Studies - Riverside
   4. California Baptist University - Jabs School of Business - Riverside
   5. California Lutheran University - Thousand Oaks
   6. International Technological University ITU - Santa Clara
   7. Park University - Pendleton Campus - Camp Pendleton
   8. University of Phoenix - Central Valley Campus - Fresno
   9. University of Phoenix - Sacramento Valley Campus - Sacramento
   10. University of Phoenix - Southern California Campus Main - Ontario
   11. University of Redlands - Redlands
   12. Westcliff University - Irvine
   13. William Jessup University - Rocklin
   14. Woodbury University - Burbank
5. Colorado
   1. Colorado Technical University - Aurora - Aurora
   2. Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs
   3. CSU Global (Colorado State University Global) - Denver
6. Florida
   1. Bethune-Cookman University - Daytona Beach
   2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Campus - Daytona Beach
   3. Florida A&M University - Tallahassee
   4. Florida Memorial University - Miami Gardens
   5. Florida State College at Jacksonville - Jacksonville
   6. Keiser University - Clearwater - Clearwater
   7. Keiser University - Daytona Beach - Daytona Beach
   8. Keiser University - Fort Myers - Ft. Myers
   9. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale - Ft. Lauderdale
   10. Keiser University - Jacksonville - Jacksonville
   11. Keiser University - Lakeland - Lakeland
   12. Keiser University - Melbourne - Melbourne
   13. Keiser University - Miami - Miami
   14. Keiser University - Naples - Naples
   15. Keiser University - New Port Richey - New Port Richey
   16. Keiser University - Orlando - Orlando
   17. Keiser University - Patrick SFB - Patrick SFB
   18. Keiser University - Pembroke Pines - Pembroke Pines
   19. Keiser University - Port St. Lucie - Port St. Lucie
   20. Keiser University - Residential Campus - West Palm Beach
   21. Keiser University - Sarasota - Sarasota
   22. Keiser University - Tallahassee - Tallahassee
   23. Keiser University - Tampa - Tampa
   24. Keiser University - West Palm Beach - West Palm Beach
   25. Palm Beach State College - Lake Worth
   26. Seminole State College of Florida - Sanford
7. Georgia
   1. Albany State University - Albany
   2. American InterContinental University System - Atlanta Campus - Atlanta
   3. Brenau University - Gainesville
   4. South University - Savannah Campus - Savannah
8. Hawaii
   1. University of Hawaii - West Oahu - Kapolei
   2. University of Phoenix - Hawaii Main Campus - Kapolei
9. Illinois
   1. Chicago State University - Chicago
   2. Colorado Technical University - Schaumburg - Schaumburg
   3. DeVry UniversityKeller Graduate School of Management - Naperville
   4. University of St. Francis - Joliet
10. International
    1. Boston City Campus - Stellenbosch, South Africa
    2. College of Business, Australian University-Kuwait - Kuwait City, Kuwait
    3. European International University, EIU-Paris - Paris, France
    4. Higher Colleges of Technology - Abu Dhabi Colleges - Abu Dhabi, UAE
    5. Higher Colleges of Technology - Al Ain Colleges - Al Ain, UAE
    6. Higher Colleges of Technology - Al Dhafra Colleges - Abu Dhabi, UAE
    7. Higher Colleges of Technology - Dubai Colleges - Dubai, UAE
    8. Higher Colleges of Technology - Fujairah Colleges - Fujairah, UAE
    9. Higher Colleges of Technology - Ras Al Khaimah Colleges - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
    10. Higher Colleges of Technology - Sharjah Colleges - Sharjah, UAE
    11. Jubail Industrial College - Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia
    12. Keiser University - Hanoi - Hanoi, Vietnam
    13. Keiser University - Ho Chi Minh City - District 3 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    14. Keiser University - Hue - Hue City, Vietnam
    15. Keiser University - Managua - Managua, Nicaragua
    16. Keiser University - San Marcos - San Marcos, Nicaragua
    17. Keiser University - Shanghai - Shanghai, China
    18. Langara College - Vancouver, Canada
    19. Seneca Polytechnic - Toronto, Canada
    20. Shandong Vocational and Technical University of International Studies - Rizhao City, China
    21. Shanghai Polytechnic University - Shanghai, China
    22. Yanbu Industrial College - Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah, Saudi Arabia

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