Foundational Courses
Start by understanding how the U.S. schooling system works (EDUC 210), how students learn (EDUC 260), and how to support literacy and special needs (EDUC 261, EDUC 365).
| program Type | Department | School |
| Undergraduate Major | Education | School of Liberal Arts |
The Education Dual Major is your path to becoming a confident, skilled teacher ready to inspire the next generation. You'll graduate with a double advantage: deep expertise in the subject you want to teach and the practical skills to thrive in the classroom.
What Makes the Siena Experience Stand Out?
Hands-on Learning from Day One: Every education course includes field experiences in local schools. You won’t just read about teaching—you’ll be in real classrooms, making connections between theory and practice.
Personalized Guidance: With our small program size, you’ll build strong relationships with professors who know you by name. They’re not just instructors; they’re mentors dedicated to your success, offering advice on lesson planning, job searching, and teaching strategies.
Immersive Student Teaching: In your senior year, you’ll step into a real teaching role, taking over a classroom in the spring semester. You'll work closely with a mentor teacher, receive ongoing feedback from Siena faculty, and gain the confidence to lead your own classroom.
Your Journey Through the Program
Professional Year
This is where you put it all together. You'll teach in a secondary school full-time while taking advanced methods courses. You’ll be immersed in culturally responsive teaching techniques, preparing you to succeed in diverse classrooms.
Choose Your Path
You’ll pair the Education Dual Major with a major in one of these content areas:
STEM: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
Humanities: English, French, Spanish, Social Studies (History or American Studies)
For aspiring computer science teachers, you can even earn certification to teach grades K-12.
Siena’s Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), ensuring that your education meets the highest standards.
Real-World Success
Our alumni leave Siena ready to make an impact. They feel confident in designing lessons, managing classrooms, and building relationships with their students. Many secure teaching positions right after graduation and return to share their experiences with current students.
“Because of Siena’s teacher prep program, I feel more confident as a first-year mathematics teacher. One highlight is the time we got to spend as a cohort bouncing ideas off of each other. It always is better to go through things together.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an education dual major?
An education dual major allows you to study both a subject area and education as part of your undergraduate degree. At Siena, students complete a major in their chosen subject while also completing the education coursework and field experiences needed to prepare for New York State Initial Teacher Certification in grades 7–12.
How does Siena's education dual major work?
Siena's Education Dual Major combines a subject-area major with teacher preparation. Students choose a subject such as biology, chemistry, computer science, English, French, mathematics, physics, social studies, or Spanish and complete the required education coursework and classroom experiences alongside their major. The program prepares students to teach their subject at the secondary level.
What subjects can you teach with an education dual major?
Siena offers Education Dual Major pathways in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, French, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, and Spanish. Students complete their chosen subject-area major along with Siena's teacher preparation requirements to prepare for certification in that subject.
What grades can you teach with Siena's education dual major?
Siena's Education Dual Major prepares students for New York State Initial Teacher Certification in grades 7–12. Depending on their subject area and certification, graduates can teach their chosen subject in middle school and high school settings.
Do education dual majors get classroom experience?
Yes. Classroom and field experiences are an important part of Siena's teacher preparation program. Students have opportunities to work in real school settings, observe experienced teachers, practice teaching, and apply what they learn in their education courses before beginning their careers.
Is an education dual major a good choice if I know what subject I want to teach?
Yes. An education dual major can be a strong choice for students who already know the subject they want to teach. Siena's program allows you to develop substantial knowledge in your chosen academic discipline while also gaining the teaching skills, classroom experience, and preparation needed for a career in secondary education.
