Program: Adolescence Education: Biology, B.S. - Siena College

Apr 06, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog, Volume 83

CIP Code: 13.1322

HEGIS Code: 0401.01

This Adolescence Education: Biology dual major is a track in Siena College’s nationally accredited Teacher Preparation Program. In order to be eligible for the Adolescence Education: Biology dual major, students must complete the education course requirements below and the requirements for the Biology, B.S. - Education Track . Students will need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in Biology, a 3.0 in Education, and an overall GPA of 2.75.

The Biology major provides students with the necessary content knowledge, and the Adolescence Education: Biology major provides students with the pedagogical knowledge required to teach Biology at the secondary level. When earned together, the dual major in Biology and Adolescence Education: Biology prepares students to meet the New York State Education Department program requirements for initial certification in Biology (grades 7-12).

Students who complete the Adolescence Education: Biology dual major will earn a B.S. degree with two majors, one in Biology and another in Adolescence Education: Biology.

Education Course Requirements for the Adolescence Education Major (32 Credits)

EDUC - 210. Issues in Contemporary American Education 3 credit(s)
EDUC - 260. Educational Psychology 3 credit(s)
EDUC - 261. Foundations of Language and Literacy 3 credit(s)
EDUC - 365. Foundations of Inclusive Education 3 credit(s)
EDUC - 381. Culturally Resp Teach Methods 3 credit(s)
EDUC - 481. Instructional Theory & Practice in Inclusive Classrooms 3 credit(s) (Content Major Specific)

The following courses are completed during the semester students participate in student teaching (typically in the Spring of the senior year):

EDUC - 461. Literacy and the Reflective Practitioner 3 credit(s)
EDUC - 462. Literacy and Reflective Practitioner 1 credit(s)
EDUC - 487. Clinical Experience in the Middle School 1-10 credit(s) AND/OR
EDUC - 488. Clinical Experience in the High School 1-10 credit(s)
*Students must complete a total of 10 credits of Clinical Experience through EDUC 487 and/or EDUC 488 .
EDUC - 495. Drug, Alcohol, & Tobacco Workshop 0 credit(s)
EDUC - 496. Child Abuse and School Violence Workshop 0 credit(s)
Students should complete EDUC 210 , EDUC 260 , EDUC 261 , and EDUC 365 by the end of the junior year. In the spring of the junior year, students must apply for admission into the professional year (methods and student teaching semesters) in order to complete the Education Dual Major. Admission into the professional year is based on application materials, meeting minimum GPA requirements, and demonstrating dispositions and behaviors that indicate a readiness to become a successful teacher. During the Professional Year Sequence, students take EDUC 381 and EDUC 481 in the fall (methods coursework and fieldwork) and complete their student teaching in the spring.

Students need to plan their programs so that they may follow the requirements of the year-long Professional Sequence. Students planning to study abroad are urged to consult early with faculty in the Education Department about their schedules. The international experience may not interrupt the Professional Sequence. Transfer students interested in the certification program should also contact the Education Department prior to planning their coursework at Siena.