Siena College Business Programs

Established in 1937, Siena College is a private, Catholic Franciscan institution situated in Loudonville, New York, at the heart of the Capital Region. As a residential liberal arts college, Siena embodies the Franciscan values of service, community, and respect for all, while preparing students for successful professional and personal lives. The College has grown over the decades into a distinguished institution recognized nationally for its academic rigor, student-centered education, and strong outcomes for graduates.

The School of Business at Siena plays a central role in the College’s academic portfolio. It offers a variety of programs that provide students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to succeed in today’s global marketplace. Among its most notable offerings are the Master of Science in Accounting, the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics, and bachelor’s degrees in Management and Marketing. Each of these programs builds on Siena’s liberal arts tradition while equipping students with practical, career-ready competencies.

This guide explores the history, mission, programs, rankings, and accreditation of Siena College, with a particular emphasis on the contributions of the School of Business. By doing so, it highlights the distinctive features that make Siena a respected institution for liberal arts and business education.

History and Mission

Siena College was founded by the Order of Friars Minor, a Roman Catholic religious community established by Saint Francis of Assisi. The Franciscan heritage is at the core of the College’s mission, shaping its academic philosophy, student life, and broader institutional goals. The College was named in honor of Saint Bernardino of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan preacher and reformer.

From its beginning in 1937, Siena sought to provide high-quality education that integrated intellectual development with moral formation. While the College initially focused on serving local students in the Capital Region, it soon grew into a nationally recognized institution attracting students from across the country and beyond. Its commitment to a liberal arts foundation ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in their chosen disciplines but also prepared to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage ethically with the world.

The mission of Siena is inseparable from its Franciscan values. Community, compassion, and service are central to the student experience, and these principles influence the College’s approach to education. Siena views business not merely as a technical field but as an area of study that requires a moral compass, human-centered leadership, and a vision for social good.

The School of Business

The School of Business at Siena College is a flagship division that reflects both the College’s liberal arts tradition and its forward-looking approach to professional education. Its goal is to prepare students to become ethical leaders who are capable of navigating the complexities of the global economy.

The School of Business offers programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students are provided with a comprehensive curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Faculty members are highly qualified scholars and practitioners who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, fostering an environment in which students are supported in both academic and career development.

The School is notable for its strong ties to the business community in the Capital Region and beyond. These connections provide students with abundant opportunities for internships, networking, and applied learning. Alumni of the School of Business often credit their Siena education with giving them the foundation to succeed in fields ranging from corporate management to nonprofit leadership.

The Master of Science in Accounting Program

One of the most prestigious programs offered by Siena’s School of Business is the Master of Science in Accounting. This program is designed to meet the needs of students who seek to advance in the accounting profession, particularly those who aspire to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

The curriculum combines advanced technical training in areas such as auditing, taxation, and financial accounting with courses that strengthen communication, analytical, and leadership skills. The program not only prepares students to sit for the CPA exam but also provides them with a deep understanding of the ethical and regulatory environment in which accountants operate.

The MS in Accounting is distinctive because it emphasizes both technical proficiency and broader professional competencies. Siena recognizes that successful accountants must be able to analyze complex financial data, communicate findings clearly, and provide trusted guidance to clients and organizations. The program’s integration of these skills reflects Siena’s holistic approach to education.

Graduates of the program are highly sought after by accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Many students secure positions at Big Four accounting firms or regional firms with strong reputations. Siena’s network of alumni in the accounting field further enhances the program’s value, offering mentorship and professional opportunities to current students.

Undergraduate Business Programs

The undergraduate offerings of the School of Business are equally robust. Siena provides students with the opportunity to pursue degrees in Economics, Management, Marketing, and other business-related fields. Each program is rooted in the liberal arts tradition, ensuring that students graduate with not only technical knowledge but also the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and act ethically.

Economics

Students at Siena can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The BA option places greater emphasis on the liberal arts foundation, encouraging students to explore history, philosophy, and political science alongside their economic studies. The BS option, meanwhile, provides a more quantitative focus, preparing students for careers or graduate study in economics, finance, or related fields.

The economics curriculum covers both microeconomics and macroeconomics while also exposing students to specialized areas such as international trade, labor economics, and econometrics. Faculty emphasize the application of economic theory to real-world problems, ensuring that students graduate with both analytical tools and practical understanding.

Management

The Bachelor of Science in Management program is designed for students who aspire to leadership positions in organizations of all types. The curriculum integrates courses in organizational behavior, strategic management, operations, and human resources. Students learn how to motivate teams, design effective organizations, and manage complex projects.

Management students also benefit from experiential opportunities, including internships, service-learning projects, and case competitions. These experiences help students develop the problem-solving and leadership skills necessary to excel in the workforce.

Marketing

The Bachelor of Science in Marketing program prepares students to succeed in an ever-changing business environment where communication, creativity, and data analysis are key. Courses cover consumer behavior, market research, advertising, digital marketing, and brand management. Students learn how to design and implement marketing strategies that create value for both organizations and consumers.

As with other programs in the School of Business, the Marketing degree emphasizes applied learning. Students frequently work on projects with local businesses, developing marketing plans and conducting research that have real impact. These opportunities allow students to build portfolios that showcase their skills to potential employers.

Experiential Learning and Career Preparation

A hallmark of Siena’s School of Business is its emphasis on experiential learning. The College recognizes that business education cannot be confined to the classroom alone; students must engage with the business community to develop the practical skills and professional networks that will support their careers.

Internships are a central component of this approach. Students regularly complete internships with firms in the Capital Region, as well as with national and international organizations. These experiences allow students to apply classroom learning to real-world problems, gain exposure to professional environments, and clarify their career goals.

The School also organizes networking events, career fairs, and speaker series that connect students with alumni and business leaders. Faculty members often facilitate these connections, drawing on their professional networks to help students secure opportunities. As a result, Siena graduates are well-prepared to transition into the workforce or pursue graduate education.

Rankings and Recognition

Siena College has consistently earned recognition in national rankings, reflecting its academic quality and student outcomes. U.S. News & World Report ranked Siena 112th among National Liberal Arts Colleges in its 2013 edition of “Best Colleges.” This placement underscores Siena’s reputation as a competitive liberal arts institution with a strong commitment to student success.

In earlier years, Siena was ranked 114th in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, marking a steady upward trajectory in its recognition. Forbes magazine also ranked Siena College 231st on its list of “America’s Best Colleges” in 2010. Additionally, Parade Magazine highlighted Siena as one of the nation’s top “Small Private Schools,” based on a survey of leading high school guidance counselors.

These rankings reflect Siena’s combination of academic excellence, supportive learning environment, and strong career outcomes. They also affirm the College’s success in balancing the liberal arts tradition with professional preparation.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital component of Siena College’s reputation. All of Siena’s programs are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring that the College meets rigorous standards of institutional quality and effectiveness.

More specifically, the School of Business holds accreditation from AACSB International—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This accreditation is considered the gold standard for business education worldwide. Only a small percentage of business schools achieve AACSB accreditation, making Siena part of an elite group recognized for academic excellence, faculty quality, and continuous improvement.

AACSB accreditation assures students and employers alike that Siena’s business programs meet the highest standards in business education. It also enhances the value of Siena’s degrees, providing graduates with a credential that is respected around the world.

Faculty and Student Community

The faculty of Siena’s School of Business are scholars and practitioners who bring a wealth of knowledge to their teaching. Many hold advanced degrees and maintain active research agendas, while others draw on years of professional experience in business, accounting, marketing, and management. Their commitment to teaching and mentorship is evident in the small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships that characterize the Siena experience.

The student community at Siena is equally vibrant. Students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, from business clubs to service organizations, that complement their academic learning. The College’s Franciscan tradition fosters a sense of community that emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and service. This ethos extends into the School of Business, where students are taught to view business not just as a means of profit but as an avenue for positive social impact.

Conclusion

Siena College, with its rich Franciscan heritage and commitment to liberal arts education, has established itself as a respected institution in the Capital Region and beyond. The School of Business exemplifies Siena’s mission by combining academic rigor, professional preparation, and ethical leadership. Programs such as the Master of Science in Accounting, the undergraduate degrees in Economics, Management, and Marketing, and the many experiential learning opportunities provide students with the tools to succeed in a competitive and dynamic world.

Through national rankings, AACSB accreditation, and a supportive community of faculty and alumni, Siena has built a reputation for excellence that continues to attract students who value both intellectual growth and ethical development. In doing so, Siena College not only prepares graduates for successful careers but also fosters leaders who embody the Franciscan values of service, community, and respect for all.