Christina Pfister
Associate professor
| Curriculum | Modality | APP DEADLINE | TIMELINE | start terms |
| Master of Science | 100% online | Rolling Admission | 2-3 years | Fall, Spring, Summer |
Imagine the lives you could change! Siena’s M.S. in Early Childhood and Childhood Education is designed for future teachers who are ready to lead their own classroom and make a lasting difference for young learners. With 100% online coursework, in-person fieldwork and student teaching, the program gives you the flexibility to move forward while building the experience, confidence and skills needed for certification.
Why Choose Siena?
- Online Flexibility: Complete your coursework 100% online and choose a course load that fits your life. With the option to take one to four courses per semester, you can move through the program in a way that works for your schedule, responsibilities and goals.
- Personal Support, Full Campus Access: You may be taking classes online, but you are still part of Siena’s education community. You can turn to faculty and staff for guidance as you move through the program, visit campus when it makes sense for you, and use resources like Career Services, events and professional development to support your path into teaching.
- Real Classroom Experience: Fieldwork and student teaching are built into the program, so you can apply what you are learning in real classrooms. These experiences help you build confidence, strengthen your teaching skills and prepare to lead your own classroom.
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A Strong Education Network: Siena’s education graduates are connected to schools, teachers and administrators across the Capital Region and beyond. As you move through the program, you’ll become part of a community that can support your growth and help you build relationships in the field.
a network that opens doors
With Siena, you’re joining an alumni network that includes graduates from both Siena and The College of Saint Rose, connecting you to a community of educators eager to support your journey. Many teachers and administrators in the Capital District are alumni, opening doors to job opportunities and mentorship.
Siena graduates are highly regarded by employers and administrators, and our program prepares you to hit the ground running. You’ll gain valuable experience in all aspects of teaching, ensuring you're ready for New York State certification (or certification in other states) and your first day in your own classroom.
M.S.Ed. candidates who complete student teaching outside New York State are not eligible for institutional recommendation for New York State certification. However, graduates may still pursue certification in other states by applying directly through those states’ certification processes. The Siena Education Department will share available information on other states’ certification requirements, though candidates are responsible for working directly with those states to pursue licensure aligned with their career goals.
Application Requirements
Brief personal essay indicating the reason you are pursuing your chosen graduate program and your intended long-term goals (submitted online with your application). Need some tips?
Include employment history, certificate or licenses held, volunteer/extracurricular activities, leadership roles, honors/awards and education history (submitted online with your application).
Two Letters of Recommendations are required. Must be submitted by a previous faculty member at your bachelor’s degree granting institution, supervising teacher, or professional reference if you have been out of school for some time. (Recommenders are required to submit recommendations online - instructions included within the application.)
Official Transcripts are required from all post-secondary institutions which you have earned college credit. Unofficial copies may be uploaded for the purpose of application review, but official copies are required prior to enrollment.
Also, if you earned your undergraduate degree outside of the United States, an evaluated transcript is required by a recognized member of The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.) Our preferred evaluators are World Education Services, Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Transcripts and evaluations should be emailed directly to our registrar at transcriptreceiving@siena.edu or mailed to the address below:
Siena University
Registrar's Office
515 Loudon Road
Loudonville, NY 12211
Official TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO Test Scores are required from international students whose native language is not English. All English examination scores are considered valid up to two years after the testing date. Certificates of Instruction may be considered if English was the medium of instruction for undergraduate studies.
Accepted tests and minimum scores:
TOEFL - 79
IELTS - 6.5
DUOLINGO - 115
Official Test Results should be sent electronically to graduateadmissions@siena.edu or mailed directly to:
Siena University
Registrar's Office
515 Loudon Road
Loudonville, NY 12211
frequently asked questions
1. Can I become a teacher if I am not already certified?
Yes. Siena’s M.S. in Early Childhood and Childhood Education is designed for future teachers seeking their initial New York State teaching certification. Students earn a master’s degree while completing the coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching needed to prepare for certification.
2. What grades can I teach after completing this program?
Graduates are prepared for two New York State certification areas: Early Childhood Education, Birth–Grade 2, and Childhood Education, Grades 1–6. This dual preparation allows graduates to teach across a wide range of early childhood and elementary grade levels.
3. Is Siena’s early childhood and childhood education master’s program fully online?
All coursework is completed online. Fieldwork and student teaching take place in person, allowing students to apply what they learn in real classrooms while receiving guidance from experienced educators and Siena faculty.
4. Can I complete the program while working?
Siena offers flexible pacing that allows students to take between one and four courses per semester. Most students complete the program in two to three years, depending on their course load. Students should also plan for the in-person time required for fieldwork and student teaching.
5. How much classroom experience will I receive?
Fieldwork and student teaching are built into the program. Students work in real classrooms, develop lesson plans, practice instructional and classroom-management strategies, and build the confidence needed to lead their own classrooms.
