Graduate Transfer Credit Policy

Brief Overview of the Policy

This policy ensures that transfer credits meet established academic and accreditation standards, support timely degree completion, and uphold the integrity of Siena’s graduate curricula. It also ensures equity by applying fair, transparent, and consistent standards so that all students are evaluated under the same criteria regardless of prior institution. By outlining eligibility requirements, program-specific provisions, and the approval process, the policy provides structure and clarity for students, advisors, and program directors in determining how prior graduate coursework may contribute to Siena graduate degrees.

Reason for Policy

The purpose of the Graduate Transfer Credit Policy is to provide clear and consistent guidelines for evaluating and awarding graduate-level transfer credits toward Siena University graduate programs.

Scope of the Policy: 

• All faculty, administration, and staff members
• All faculty and staff members including student employees
• Supervisors
• Faculty and staff members with managerial or supervisory responsibilities for staff or operations
• Vice presidents
• Deans, directors, chairs, and department heads
• Siena administrators

The Official Policy 

Siena may permit the transfer of a limited number of graduate-level credits from other institutions, subject to the following conditions and approvals.

General Guidelines (All Graduate Programs)

To be eligible for transfer, courses must meet all of the following criteria:

• The course must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution.
• The course must be designated as graduate-level credit.
• The student must have earned a grade of B (3.0) or better in the course.
• A maximum of 20 percent of the total required credits for the degree may be fulfilled through transfer credits.
• The combination of transfer and waived credits (where applicable) cannot exceed 1/3 of the total credits required for the degree.
• Each request is reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis, and written approval from the program director is required before credits may be applied toward a Siena graduate program.
• Transfer of international graduate credits may be considered, subject to program director approval. The credits must be from an accredited institution and the course must have been taught in English.

Additional Requirements for Business Programs

• Graduate credits must be earned from an institution accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Exceptions for MS Business Analytics students will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are at the discretion of the program director.

Process for Submitting Transfer Credit Requests

Students seeking to have prior graduate coursework considered for transfer credit must:

1. Submit official transcripts from the granting institution directly to Siena University.
2. Provide a copy of the course syllabus (and other supporting materials, if requested) for each course they wish to transfer.
3. Send the transcripts and materials to their program advisor, who will determine eligibility.

Await written confirmation of approved transfer credits from the program advisor/director before credits are applied toward degree requirements.