frequently_asked_questions
requset_information
apply_online

  1. What is the deadline for applying?
  2. When is the program offered?
  3. If I want to continue beyond certification to get my masters in Adolescence Education, how long will it take me?
  4. What is the field experience requirement of the program?
  5. What prerequisite courses are required?
  6. Can I apply and attend Canisius if I have prerequisites to be made up?
  7. How quickly can I complete the program?
  8. Can I attend the program part-time?
  9. Will American Sign Language count for the Foreign Language requirement?
  10. How is the scheduling of classes done?
  11. What is the cost of tuition for the teacher certification program?
  12. Is a Bachelors degree required to begin the program?
  13. Can I apply if I am "In Progress" with my last semester of courses?
  14. Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
  15. What tests are required for certification?
  16. Is Financial Aid available?
  17. Is there a tuition payment plan?
  18. Is housing available?
  19. Can I take the CLEP tests to meet the prerequisite requirements?

    More Frequently Asked Questions for Canadian Students
  20. Will I be able to teach in Ontario after completing the certification program?
  21. What are the Immigration requirements to attend?
  22. How do US college/university credit hours equate to credits in Canada?
  23. Will OAC courses count towards the prerequisite course requirements?
  24. Can Canadian students take online courses at Canisius for teacher certification?
1. What is the deadline for applying?
We operate on a rolling admissions basis with no set deadlines. We evaluate applications when complete and normally make a decision within one 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 students. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow for the best scheduling options, since some course sections may close out if registering late. For Canadian students, we stop processing applications approximately two weeks prior to the beginning of classes, each semester, to allow sufficient time for processing immigration forms.

2. When is the program offered?
Canisius College has three terms per year: fall (late August), spring (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 the start date will be changed.

During the fall and spring semesters, courses in the graduate programs are offered Monday through Thursday with some courses available online. Coursework in Physical Education can be scheduled on a two day per week program (Monday-Tuesday) with the exception of the field experiences. For Canadian students, this may necessitate a stay over in the Buffalo/Ft. Erie area on Monday night depending on your travel distance from the campus. The two day program allows completion of certification requirements in 3 semesters. The master's degree requires a fourth semester.

During the summer, Canisius College has two five week sessions offered from the middle of May to the beginning of August. During the summer, up to 4 courses can be taken on the Monday-Tuesday schedule.

Online courses allow additional flexibility in scheduling. PEG 530, 560, 584 and 680 are offered online.

For more information on scheduling, view our scheduling fact sheets for
Spring 2010 and Summer 2009 (pdf) for physical education.

3. If I want to continue beyond certification to get my master's in Physical 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 three additional courses (9 credit hours) to receive a master's degree. Many of our students come back after their first year of teaching and complete the master's during the summer term or complete the requirements online.

4. What is the field experience requirement of the program?
Prior to student teaching, all students are required to complete 100 hours of field experience. Student teaching consists of two seven week supervised teaching placements in schools appropriate to certification level and major teaching discipline. The field experience may can be completed in Ontario for Canadian students.

5. What prerequisite courses are required?
Two of the following four (6 credit hours total): PED 207 Dance, or PED 216 Gymnastics & Rhythmic Activities, or Individual or Team Games
HED 337 Exercise Principles (3 credit hours)
BIO 107 Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab (4 credit hours)
HHP 235 Kinesiology (Prerequisite: BIO 107) (3 credit hours)
HED 321 Lifeguard, CPF, First Aid, Water Safety (US students) or a Health Elective (for Canadian students) (3 credit hours)

Evidence of completion three (3) College/University credit hours or a half year course in a foreign language. NY State Regents credit or two years of non regents with a grade of "B" or better average is in high school is acceptable. OAC/Grade 13 is accepted for Canadian students.

6. Can I apply and attend Canisius if I have prerequisites to be made up?
Yes, but all prerequisites must be completed prior to your student teaching semester.

7. How quickly can I complete the program?
You can complete certification in as few as three semesters, which includes the summer sessions. However, summer may not be used for student teaching. The master's degree requires successful completion of three additional courses (9 credit hours).

8. Can I attend the program part-time?
You can attend our programs 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 Canisius Web and can be accessed by clicking here. You can then login to register or click on "Class Schedule" to view schedules for current, previous and some future semesters.

You can access this link from the Canisius home page by clicking on: "current students", then click on: "Online registration/check your grades/view your 1098-T", then choose "Login" to register or "Class Schedule" to view posted schedules.

For more information on scheduling, view our scheduling fact sheets for
Spring 2010 and Summer 2009 (pdf) for physical education.

11. What is the cost of tuition for all programs?
The cost of tuition for the 2009-2010 School Year is $680 per credit hour. Canadian students receive a 20% discount. The discounted cost for Canadian students is $545 (US funds) per credit hour.

12. Is a bachelor's degree required to begin the program?
Yes, a bachelor's degree is required to start graduate programs. For Canadian students, it may be a three year or four year degree. Three year bachelor's degree candidates must complete the masters program 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 during your final semester as an undergraduate. 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 admissions 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?
Applicants for certification must pass the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching-Skills-Written (ATS-W) and Content Specialty Test (CST).

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?
Housing for graduate students is based on space available. Some rooms may be available on a nightly basis. Many Canadian students and other commuters stay overnight in local hotels during the fall/spring semesters when housing on campus is normally not available. Contact the Office of Residence Life at 716-888-83000 for more information, including availability.

More Frequently Asked Questions 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 15 years. Once requirements are complete, Canadian students will apply to the New York State Department of Education for certification . Once New York State requirements are met, Canadian candidates are eligible for certification by the Ontario College of Teachers after completing the application 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.