The AACSB Accounting Accreditation Eligibility Application process is similar to the business version. It entails the submission of an Eligibility Application and supporting documents (as outlined below). The objective of this process is to determine if a school is eligible to pursue AACSB Accounting Accreditation.

Schools are encouraged to provide a draft of their Eligibility Application to AACSB staff for review. AACSB staff will check for completeness and any potential concerns that may arise. Once the Eligibility Application is complete, a mentor is assigned to the school. Based on a committee’s review of the Eligibility Application, input is provided to the mentor regarding areas of potential concern.

The mentor visits the applicant school to (a) respond to any concerns raised by the Eligibility Application and (b) review how the applicant satisfies each standard—in order to assist in the preparation of a gap analysis (performed by the applicant and used as the basis for the Standards Alignment Plan). If the mentor finds that there is no reasonable expectation that the applicant can develop a successful plan, he/she will so advise the applicant. The Accounting Accreditation Committee (AAC) reviews the Eligibility Application as revised. The AAC rules on any eligibility issues, such as diversity and excluded programs. If it is determined that a school is eligible, it will then enter the PreAccreditation phase of the Accounting Accreditation Process.

Institutions may apply simultaneously for Business and Accounting Accreditation. However, if done separately, a school must have already earned Business Accreditation to pursue AACSB Accounting Accreditation.

Required Eligibility Application

Documentation should be saved, completed, and emailed to aac@aacsb.edu.

Accounting Accreditation Eligibility Application