The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) has announced that it is maintaining its accreditation of Siena College’s School of Business for the next five years.
This accreditation represents the highest standard of excellence in business education worldwide, according to Charles F. Seifert, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business.
Of the more than 16,000 schools granting degrees in business, fewer than five percent have earned AACSB accreditation. Siena initially received the accreditation in 2007.
“I’m extremely pleased with the extension of our AACSB accreditation,” said Dean Seifert. “I view it as recognition of the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff and administrators in the School of Business. We have a great team that works diligently to provide the best educational experience for our students.”
In its recommendation of accreditation to the AACSB, the on-site peer review team highlighted Siena’s strengths in engagement, innovation, and impact. Specifically, the review cited the variety of resources and support provided through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (CURCA) and the Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The report also acknowledged a perfect placement rate for master of science in accounting graduates, and made note that one year after graduation, 97 percent of bachelor’s degree recipients are employed, enrolled in graduate school, or both.
“The AACSB accreditation is much more than recognition of a job well done – it’s a shining beacon to the world’s most coveted employers,” said Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph. D., president of Siena. “Companies actively seek out graduates from AACSB-accredited business schools. There’s a growing need for professionals with an understanding of financial markets and accounting regulations with the skills to communicate effectively. Those professionals can readily be found in the Siena School of Business, and there isn’t a bigger global endorsement than the AACSB accreditation.”
Siena’s School of Business offers bachelor of science degrees in accounting, business (customizable), economics, finance, management, and marketing, and a master of science degree in accounting.
AACSB International, which was founded in 1916, is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in business.
