AACSB Accredited Business Programs: Differences And Similarities

Abstract

Under AACSB “mission driven” standards, three tiers of business programs have emerged:  doctoral level, master’s level and baccalaureate level.   AACSB institutions in these three tiers are significantly different in many respects.  Given that institutional differences are so large and widespread among the three tiers, what, then, are the characteristics, if any, which give AACSB-accredited programs a common identity?  Evidence is presented that faculty perceptions are quite similar, regardless of program tier.  Thus, the common bind of these diverse programs is measured less in terms of resources and more in terms of a shared ethic of mission-driven excellence.