Accreditation question

[ajs02f]

I am unsure what to do.

I am a public relations professional who began seeking an MS in Communications a few months ago. For various reasons, I now desire to switch to an MBA program. In fact, the school I am attending offers an MBA program with a specialization in Communications and Media Management, so most of the credits from the communication class I have taken so far can be applied to the MBA degree.

The only problem is that although the school is regionally accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the business school is not accredited with the AACSB (which I understand represents the top echelon of business schools). The business school is accredited with the lesser known IACBE.

I am unsure if this should be a deal breaker for me. Will the non-AACSB accreditation invalidate the degree to employers? Or, is the regional accreditation the most important thing?

I have no desire to pursue a PhD, or get recruited from a top financial firm or something. I am just merely looking to pad my resume considering that my undergraduate degree is in English.

Your insight is appreciated.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear ajs02f,

If you feel the MBA program at your current school will provide you with the education and resources you need, then it is probably a fine choice. Accreditation is important, but very few companies are concerned with AACSB versus IACBE. There are some differences in the accreditation processes between the two, but you should still receive a good education in the business fundamentals if the schools has some form of accreditation.

Good luck,
Lisa