Question about Masters degree accreditation?

Question

The local school I'm looking at is regionally accredited(North Central Association for Colleges and Schools), but there masters programs(such as MBA and MLS), haven't received accreditation yet, but are trying to get it. Does it really matter that much if these programs haven't received specific accreditations, but still come from a regionally accredited school?

Answer 1

A regionally accredited degree is a very respected degree with little or no utility to also having AACSB accreditation at this point.

As of April, 2006, 528 schools had AACSB accreditation, which is a very small % of schools, so it is relatively unknown, even to HR Directors. The only publicity they've received publicity is when Intel changed a tuition reimbursement policy to require AACSB. Hopefully it will gain more recognition.

There are no employers currently that will require an AACSB degree. The school name / ranking is much more important.

Answer 2

Professional accreditation is very important for both the MBA and MLS. A few very prestigious schools may get away with provisional or candidate status for a few years, but with most pedestrian schools the risk is too great.

With the MBA, there is already a glut of schools and graduates. Don't waste your time in an MBA unless it is in a top 25 school in the USA (or maybe just take the MBA part-time at a 2nd-tier school for interest's sake with no other expectations).

Answer 3

Yes -- it matters.

For an MBA, the schools's ranking also matters. Students going to a top 15 school can expect a six figure salary when they graduate. Students going to a ranked school not in the top 15 can expect a nice increase in salary when they graduate. Students going to an unranked MBA program can't expect much in the way of salary increases or job opportunities.