By Dr. Vlad Krotov
Triple crown accreditation refers to a prestigious recognition awarded to business schools that have achieved accreditation from three prominent international accreditation bodies for business education. These three major accrediting organizations are:
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- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB): AACSB accreditation is widely regarded as the most rigorous and prestigious accreditation for business schools. It focuses on evaluating the quality of a business school’s faculty, curriculum, teaching methods, and research output.
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS): EQUIS is a European-based accreditation body that assesses the overall quality and internationalization of business schools. It evaluates aspects such as governance, programs, student body, research, and engagement with the corporate world.
- Association of MBAs (AMBA): AMBA is a global accreditation body specifically focused on MBA programs. It assesses the curriculum, faculty, student diversity, and career services of MBA programs offered by business schools.
Achieving triple crown accreditation signifies that the school has met stringent international standards of excellence in business education and is recognized for delivering high-quality programs with global relevance. Triple crown accreditation is a mark of distinction and can enhance a business school’s reputation and attractiveness to prospective students and employers. It is estimated that only one percent (approximately 120) of business schools have achieved triple crown accreditation. Even so, triple crown accreditation does not imply that the school is among the top one percent of business schools worldwide.
Achieving triple crown accreditation is a challenging and lengthy process that requires a strong commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence. As a result, only a select number of business schools around the world have earned this distinguished status. Furthermore, business schools in Europe and Asia are more likely to pursue triple crown accreditation than those in the United States.