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.
| program Type | Department | School |
| Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor, Undergraduate Dual Major | History and Education | School of Liberal Arts |
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.
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.
"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
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.
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.
Yes. A history degree develops skills in research, writing, critical thinking, analysis, communication, and understanding different perspectives. These skills can be applied to careers in education, law, government, museums, archives, journalism, communications, business, and nonprofit organizations. Siena's History program combines the study of the past with opportunities for research, internships, and hands-on learning.
A history degree can lead to careers in education, law, government, museums, archives, historic preservation, journalism, communications, research, and nonprofit organizations. History graduates can also apply their research, writing, and analytical skills to careers in business, public relations, marketing, and other fields.
History graduates can pursue careers such as historian, teacher, archivist, museum professional, researcher, journalist, writer, policy professional, government employee, and communications specialist. A history degree can also provide preparation for graduate or professional programs such as law school, public history, education, and other advanced degrees.
History majors learn how to investigate the past, evaluate evidence, understand different perspectives, and connect historical events to larger social, political, cultural, and economic developments. At Siena, students develop research, writing, analytical, and communication skills while studying a wide range of historical periods, regions, and topics.
Yes. Students who want to teach history or social studies can combine their History major with Siena's Education Dual Major pathway. This allows students to develop subject-area expertise in history while completing teacher preparation requirements for New York State Initial Teacher Certification in grades 7–12.
Yes. Siena History students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, archival work, public history opportunities, and other experiential learning. These experiences allow students to apply historical research and communication skills outside the classroom while building professional experience.
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.
