AACSB International accreditation considers the full set of degree programs in business (baccalaureate, master's or doctorate) offered by the institution. This is without regard to the administrative structure of the institution, i.e., all of the programs need not be located in a unit called a business school. Although separate accounting accreditation is an elective extension of business accreditation, all accounting programs are reviewed as a part of all business accreditation reviews.

A program is considered a business program for review purposes if it meets either of two conditions: (1) it permits more than 25 percent of a baccalaureate program or 50 percent of a masters program in course content or credit hours in subjects commonly available in a school of business, or (2) it conveys (through publicity, catalogs, or placement records) any connotation of a program in business or management.

Degree programs can be excused from review when they meet both of two conditions: (1) they are administratively outside of the business unit, and (2) they are tailored to a particular industry, such as (but not limited to) agri-business, hotel management, health care administration and engineering management.

Non-business degree programs, including secondary business education, fall outside of the review even if they are located in the business unit.