Master of Science
Childhood Education
GRADUATE CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM FAQS
- What is the deadline for applying?
- When is the program offered?
- If I want to continue beyond certification to get my masters in Childhood Education, how long will it take me?
- What is the field experience requirement of the program?
- What prerequisite courses are required?
- Can I apply and attend Canisius if I have prerequisites to be made up?
- How quickly can I complete the program?
- Can I attend the program part-time?
- Will American Sign Language count for the Foreign Language requirement?
- How is the scheduling of classes done?
- What is the cost of tuition for the teacher certification program?
- Is a Bachelors degree required to begin the program?
- Can I apply if I am "In Progress" with my last semester of courses?
- Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
- What tests are required for certification?
- Is Financial Aid available?
- Is there a tuition payment plan?
- Is housing available?
- Can I take the CLEP tests to meet the prerequisite requirements?
For Canadian Students - Will I be able to teach in Ontario after completing the certification program?
- What are the Immigration requirements to attend?
- How do US college/university credit hours equate to credits in Canada?
- Will OAC courses count towards the prerequisite course requirements?
1. What is the deadline for applying?
We operate on a rolling admissions basis with no set application deadline. We evaluate applications continuously as they are completed and normally make a decision within a week. We recommend submitting all materials required for admission at least 30 days prior to the start date for the term you wish to begin. 60 days prior to the start date is a better target for Canadian and other international students. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow for the best scheduling options, since some course sections may be closed to students registering late.
2. When is the program offered?
Childhood education has two start terms: spring (mid-January) and summer (May/June). You select your start date when you file your application. If you are unsure of your start date, select the earliest one that you are most likely to attend. Should you be accepted and wish to change your start date to a later term, simply inform the office of your new start date in writing and we will change your start date.
Coursework on campus and the classroom practicum in Childhood Education may be completed Monday-Wednesday. Certification coursework can be completed by attending classes on Mondays during the first semester while taking some courses online. The second semester will require a combination of coursework and field experiences Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The third semester will require full time student teaching Monday-Friday. The program may necessitate overnight stays in the Buffalo/Ft. Erie area depending on your travel distance from the campus. The program may be completed in 3 semesters.
During the summer, Canisius College has two five week sessions offered from the middle of May to the beginning of August. Five courses can be taken on the Monday-Tuesday schedule with 2 courses offered on campus during the first 5 week session and 3 courses offered online during the second 5 week session.
For more information on scheduling, view our scheduling fact sheet for Summer 2013 (PDF) for childhood education.
3. If I want to continue beyond certification to get my master's in Childhood Education, how long will it take me?
Since all course work is taught at the master’s level, once you complete certification requirements, you only need one additional course (3 credits) to receive a master's degree. The additional course may be completed concurrently during the student teaching term, if desired. The course may also be completed during a term following student teaching. Teachers in NY State have 5 years to complete the requirement in order to gain professional certification.
4. What is the field experience requirement of the program?
EDCH 502 includes 30 hours of field experience and is normally taken during the first semester. The clinical year includes 3 days (Monday-Wednesday) of field experience and methods classes in the fall semester and a full semester of student teaching during the spring semester (January-May). Canadian students may complete EDCH 570 and the student teaching placements in Ontario.
5. What prerequisite courses are required in Childhood Education?
Evidence of successful completion of three (3) college/university level semester credit hours (a half year course) in each of the following: English, mathematics, science and social studies.
Additionally, completion of three (3) credit hours (a half year course) in a foreign language is required. NY State Regents credit or two years of non regents with a grade of "B" or better average is acceptable for the foreign language requirement.
For Canadian students, OAC/Grade 13 credits may be applied towards prerequisites in each area.
6. Can I apply and attend Canisius if I have prerequisites to be made up?
Yes, but all prerequisites should be completed prior to your student teaching semester.
7. How quickly can I complete the program?
You can complete the program in three semesters.
You can start the program in the summer (May) or spring (January). By starting in the summer, you can complete the program in one year. Spring semester starters can finish in 16 months.
8. Can I attend the program part-time?
You can complete the first semester coursework on a full or part time basis.
9. Will American Sign Language count for the Foreign Language requirement?
Yes, you must complete 3 credit hours of American Sign Language.
10. How is the scheduling of classes done?
All scheduling/registration of classes is done online using the myCanisius student portal. From this page, you can login to register or click on "Look Up Classes" to view current, previous and some future semesters.
For more information on scheduling, view our scheduling fact sheet for Summer 2013 (PDF) for childhood education.
11. What is the cost of tuition for all programs?
The cost of tuition for the 2013-2014 School Year is $750 per credit hour. Canadian students receive a 20% discount. The discounted cost for Canadian students is $600 (US funds) per credit hour which is guaranteed for two years from entry into the program.
12. Is a bachelor's degree required to begin the program?
Yes, a bachelor's degree is required to start our graduate programs. For Canadian students, it may be a three year or four year degree. Three year bachelor's degree candidates must complete the master's program requirements (one additional course) at Canisius before they are eligible to submit the request for certification to the NY State Department of Education.
13. Can I apply if I am "In Progress" with my last semester of courses?
You can apply before you complete your bachelor's degree. However, you will be accepted provisionally until you supply us with an official transcript that posts your degree.
14. Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
The GRE is not an admission requirement for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher. Applications for candidates with less than a 2.7 cumulative GPA will be reviewed by the appropriate program director for an admissions decision and may include additional requirements (e.g., personal interview, GRE, etc.)
For more information about the GRE and test scheduling in Buffalo, call the Thomson Prometric Center at 716-565-0570. They are located at 4927 Main St. (Snyder Place Plaza), Amherst, NY 14225 or go to www.prometric.com
In Canada, for information and test scheduling call 1-800-967-1100 or go to www.prometric.com.
For general inquiries, call 866-473-4373 or go to www.gre.org
15. What tests are required for certification?
Beginning in May 2014, applicants for certification must pass the Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST), the Educating All Students Test (EAS) and the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment). See the NY State Certification Exam Web Site for more information about these exams, including preparation guides.
16. Where can I get information about Financial Aid?
Click here for information regarding financing graduate school.
You may also contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance in financing your education at Canisius by calling 716-888-2300 or 800-541-6348 (toll-free).
The source of financial aid available for Canadian students is The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). For more information visit their web site at http://osap.gov.on.ca.
17. Is there a tuition payment plan?
Yes, the college has payment plans. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (716) 888-2300.
18. Is housing available?
Campus housing is provided to graduate students on a space available basis. Housing is available on a semester basis and also on a nightly basis in the summer. Many Canadian students and other commuters stay overnight in local hotels when campus housing is unavailable. Contact the Office of Residence Life at 716-888-2220 for more information, including availability.
19. Can I take the CLEP tests to meet the prerequisite requirements?
Yes, students can take examinations sponsored by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) or by the New York State College Proficiency Examination Program (CPE). Students must consult with the appropriate dean for permission to use any credit by examination toward their graduate degree or certificate requirements.
For Canadian Students
20. Will I be able to teach in Ontario after completing the certification program?
Yes, we have been preparing teachers for certification in Canada for over 20 years. Once requirements are complete, Canadian students will apply to the New York State Department of Education for certification . New York State will then pass certification information to the Ontario College of Teachers. Candidates must apply directly to the Ontario College of Teachers for certification in Ontario.
21. What are the Immigration requirements to attend?
In order to attend Canisius College, Canadian students must receive a Certificate of Visa Eligibility (Form I-20). This form is issued by Canisius College after the student has submitted proof of his/her ability to meet all educational and living expenses for the entire period of study. The student must provide this proof by filling out the Canisius College International Student Certification of Finances form, which includes a budget worksheet to help the student determine the total educational expenses. This form must have enough funds (in US dollars) listed and verified to cover the full amount of the student's educational and living expenses. This form must be submitted to the Graduate Education Office. After it is processed, the college will mail the I-20 form directly to the student.
22. How do US college/university credit hours equate to credits in Canada?
3 credit hours=1 half year course
6 credit hours=1 full year course
23. Will OAC courses count toward the prerequisite course requirements?
Yes, OAC and grade 13 can be used as prerequisite course requirements for Canadian students.
Initial Teaching Certification Master's Program
Learn about the Initial Teaching Certification Master's Program at Canisius College. View upcoming webinars.
