- What is the deadline for applying?
- When is the program offered?
- How long will it take to complete the program?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
There are no set deadlines for application. We operate on a rolling admissions basis. We recommend submitting all materials required for admission at least 30 days prior to the start date for the term you wish to begin. 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 to three 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 change will be noted on your file.
Courses in the graduate programs are offered Monday through Friday late afternoon/evening with a some courses offered on Saturday.
During the summers, Canisius College has two five week sessions offered from the middle of May to the beginning of August. Courses meet two times per week on a Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday schedule. A few courses overlapping with the Childhood Education program are offered on Friday evening and Saturday. Some courses are offered online, allowing additional flexibility in scheduling.
3. How long will it take to complete the program?
Teachers certified in childhood and special education can complete the masters program in 33 credit hours.
Teachers with initial certification in another area (childhood/adolescence) can complete the program in 45 credit hours.
Candidates without initial teacher certification can complete the program, including additional requirements for initial certification, in 63 credit hours.
4. What is the field experience requirement of the program?
Candidates not already certified in special education are required to complete 75-100 hours of field experience prior to student teaching. These hours are included in designated courses throughout your course of study. Please refer to the appropriate Curriculum Web Page for specifics.
Student teaching for candidates seeking initial certification consists of two seven week supervised teaching placements (12 credit hours).
Teachers certified in another area must complete one student teaching placement (6 credit hours).
Teachers already certified in special education are not required to complete the student teaching requirement.
5. What prerequisite courses are required?
Candidates without initial certification must meet requirements in an area of concentration (childhood or adolescence).
Childhood education requires 6 credit hours in each of the following areas: math, science, English, and social studies. Three (3) credit hours in foreign language is also required.
Adolescence Education requires 36 credit hours in one of the disciplines: English, mathematics, science*, social studies**, French, German, or Spanish. Additionally completion three (3) credit hours in a foreign language is required.
*The 36 credit hours in science must include at least 30 semester credit hours in biology, chemistry or physics.
**Social Studies requires 51 credit hours in related course work. Eighteen (18) of those hours must be in history and at least 3 credit hours in geography. Economics, political science, geography, sociology, psychology, philosophy, government, anthropology or history can be used to fulfill the remaining credit requirement.
Business and Physical Education teachers are currently not eligible for special education certification.
6. Can I apply and attend Canisius if I have prerequisites to be made up?
Yes, but all prerequisites should be completed prior to student teaching.
7. Can I attend the program part-time?
You can attend our programs on a full or part time basis.
8. Will American Sign Language count for the Foreign Language requirement?
Yes, you must complete 3 credit hours of American Sign Language.
9. 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. From this page, you can login to register or click on "Class Schedule" to view the schedules for previous, current, 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.
10. What is the cost of tuition for all programs?
The cost of tuition for School Year 2009-2010 is $680 per credit hour. The rates for the school year are effective May 2009.
11. Is a bachelor's degree required to begin the program?
Yes, a bachelor's degree is required to start our graduate programs.
12. 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.
13. 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 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
For general inquiries, call 866-473-4373 or go to www.gre.org
14. What tests are required for certification?
Applicants for certification must pass the Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching-Skills-Written (ATS-W) and Content Specialty Test (CST).
15. 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).
16. Is there a tuition payment plan?
Yes, the college has payment plans. For more information, contact the Student Accounts Office at (716) 888-2801.
17. Is housing available?
Campus housing for graduate students is based on space available. Contact the Office of Residence Life at 716-888-8300 for more information, including availability.
18. 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.