The Adolescence Education: Social Studies dual major is a track in Siena College’s nationally accredited Teacher Preparation Program. In order to be eligible for the Adolescence Education: Social Studies dual major, students must complete the education course requirements below and the requirements for either the History, B.A. - Education Track or the American Studies, B.A. - Education Track. Students will need to maintain at least a 3.1 GPA in their content major (History or American Studies), a 3.0 in Education, and an overall GPA of 2.9.
The content area major in History or American Studies provides students with the necessary content knowledge, and the Adolescence Education: Social Studies major provides students with the pedagogical knowledge required to teach Social Studies at the secondary level. When earned together, the dual major in History or American Studies and Adolescence Education: Social Studies prepares students to meet the New York State Education Department program requirements for initial certification in Social Studies (grades 7-12).
Students who complete the Adolescence Education: Social Studies dual major will earn a B.A. degree with two majors, one in their content area (History or American Studies) and another in Adolescence Education: Social Studies.
Education Course Requirements for the Adolescence Education Major (32 Credits)
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.