Experience history beyond the textbook with Siena's hands-on program, where you'll conduct original research, gain real-world skills, and learn from passionate professors who prepare you for a future that stands out.
At Siena, you don’t just learn history—you live it. In our History/History Education program, you'll dive into hands-on experiences that go beyond textbooks. Picture yourself conducting original research, interning at historical sites, or studying abroad, all while being guided by passionate professors who genuinely care about your growth.
Why siena?
Engage in Real-World Learning: From your very first class, you’ll be doing history, not just studying it. Every student completes Siena’s unique experiential history requirement, ensuring you gain valuable, real-world experience. You might find yourself piecing together historical events through research projects, tackling assignments that make history come alive, or even presenting your findings at professional conferences.
Capstone Course (HIST 499): This isn’t just another paper or exam. It’s your chance to conduct in-depth historical research, develop your thesis, and present your work, just like a professional historian.
Learn from Exceptional Professors Who Invest in You: Our faculty are more than teachers—they’re mentors. They bring history to life, guiding you with personal attention every step of the way. As one student put it, "The program itself is wonderful, but it’s the professors who made it exceptional!"
Prepare for Your Future with a Competitive Edge: Graduating as a history major from Siena means you’re ready to step into the world with more than a degree. You’ll have a résumé packed with hands-on experience and skills like critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and teamwork. These are the skills that employers value, setting you apart in careers across education, law, politics, business, and more.
a close-knit community that opens doors
At Siena, you’re not just another student—you’re part of a community that supports and challenges you. With small class sizes and professors who know your name, you’ll build connections that last a lifetime. You’ll graduate with a strong network, a clear path toward your goals, and the confidence to achieve them.
hands-on learning opportunities
Project: Rescuing New York History
"Over the summer, I traveled to Cornell University where I uncovered several historical sources detailing the Second Great Awakening in Upstate New York during the nineteenth century. I later transcribed these documents so that they could be used as a resource in Dr. Jennifer Dorsey's upcoming book. As a history major, this experience was crucial as it gave me insight as to how historians and archivists conduct research." - Rosella Hren '20
A Taste of the 1760s
Karina Greco ’25 participated in a unique research project with the Siena Beverage Institute, where she explored a colonial-era cookbook from 1760-68. Greco and her interdisciplinary team recreated recipes from the historic “receipt-book” and shared their results at a public tasting event at Historic Cherry Hill. She found it rewarding to interpret a primary source from a local historic site, bringing history to life for the community. The project allowed Greco to apply her research skills in a hands-on, community-engaged setting.
life after siena as a history major
Siena history majors are well-prepared for careers in education, research, communications, business, and more. Alumni work as teachers, attorneys, researchers, election law analysts, law clerks, career consultants, and school principals. Graduates have built careers with organizations like the New York State Assembly, New York State Senate, U.S. Department of Education, Department of Labor, Discovery Communications, New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Irish American Heritage Museum, the National Guard Educational Foundation, the Workers Defense Project, and the Albany Institute of History & Art.
ready to make history?
Join a program where history isn’t just studied—it’s experienced. Where you’re guided by mentors who believe in your potential and where you graduate ready to make your mark in any field you choose.