|
 |
Question and Answer with Accreditation
Standard 10 describes six ways to classify faculty members at “academically
qualified” (AQ). Accredited schools and those in the process are expected to develop criteria for determining and maintaining
AQ and PQ status. Thus, the burden of proof is on the school to support its position that its faculty, collectively and
individually, are qualified as outlined in Standard 10. For example, during accreditation seminars, facilitators often refer to
the example of Peter Drucker, who did not hold a research doctorate, who should probably be considered AQ based on an impressive
career of scholarship and impact on business practices. Interpretive materials in Standard 10 supporting category 1 for AQ
faculty state, “…since the intent of academic qualifications is to assure that faculty members have research competence in their
primary field of teaching, the existence of a current research record in the teaching field will be accepted as prima facie
evidence of academic qualifications, regardless of credentials.”
In interpreting the above statements, the recently issued AACSB white papers on PQ status and
AQ status go on to address the specific question, “Can a PQ faculty member become AQ without a Ph.D.?” The papers state the
following:
In very limited cases, a school may make a successful argument that a faculty member with a
master’s degree may be AQ. Such a case must be based on the faculty member having a sustained record of successful work
consistent with what is expected for AQ faculty members. This record would probably include a sustained record of high quality
research and publication in leading academic journals in the field, significant recognition and honors from the academic
community, and academic engagement activities that would be consistent with an individual with academic credentials.
Importantly, the activities that demonstrate AQ status should be consistent with the business school and accounting program
mission. Publication in top quality practitioner journals validates strong support for their qualification as PQ, but does not
typically provide support for their status as AQ.
Also relevant to this question is Category 6 for AQ faculty in Standard 10. It states that,
“such a faculty member may have specialized master’s degree in a business-related field and have completed some coursework in a
business doctoral program, or currently may be a student in a business doctoral program.” As noted in Category 6, non-research
doctorates may also fit into this category. These individuals may be considered AQ assuming currency in the field is documented,
but “… their number should be limited in each discipline and they are subject to a 10 percent limit of total faculty resources.”
Back to Accreditation
|
