Buffalo, NY - Canisius University is expanding its academic offerings in fall 2025 with the introduction of three new programs designed to meet evolving student and industry needs.
New Advanced Certificate in Sports Performance
Canisius will offer a new graduate-level Advanced Certificate in Sports Performance through the School of Education and Human Services' Department of Kinesiology. This fully online program equips students with specialized training while earning prestigious Certificates of Distinction from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
"The exercise and personal training industry has grown into a $13 billion market in the U.S. with more than 1 million businesses," says Karl Kozlowski, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology. "Canisius University is providing students with a direct pathway into this dynamic and growing field. The integration of nationally recognized NASM certifications distinguishes this program and gives our graduates a significant competitive advantage in the industry."
The Advanced Certificate in Sports Performance comprises four specialized courses that enable students to earn NASM Certificates of Distinction in:
- Performance and Enhancement Specialist
- Corrective Exercise Specialist
- Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
- Certified Behavior Change Specialist
The program also serves as a bridge to Canisius University's master's degree in exercise science, offering students the opportunity to further their education and professional expertise.
All Grades Advanced Certificate in Literacy
Enrollment is now open for Canisius University's new All Grades Advanced Certificate in Literacy. Available through the institution's online Graduate Literacy Program, this certificate provides comprehensive training for educators to become literacy specialists across all grade levels.
"This new certification program offers an opportunity for educators to deepen their expertise in literacy instruction and empower them to become transformative leaders in supporting students' fundamental learning skills," says Nancy Wallace, PhD, dean of the School of Education and Human Services. "By providing a comprehensive, research-backed approach to literacy education, we are helping teachers make a lasting impact on student learning across all grade levels."
The new certificate program aligns with New York State and national Science of Reading initiatives. It is a six-course, 18-credit program that enables teachers to enhance their professional qualifications through a flexible online format. Key features include:
- Comprehensive curriculum in research-backed literacy instruction
- Practical learning opportunities near educators' workplaces
- Expert faculty with extensive literacy education experience
- Flexible online format for working professionals
Educational Partnership with Hilbert College
Canisius University also introduced a new partnership with Hilbert College that provides undergraduate students with an accelerated pathway to earning a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and New York State certifications from Canisius.
Beginning in fall 2025, the 4+1 articulation agreement enables eligible Hilbert College students to begin taking six select Canisius undergraduate education courses during their sophomore year while completing their bachelor of arts degree. Qualified students who meet specific program criteria will then seamlessly transition to Canisius to complete their master's degree in Adolescent Education (grades 7-12) and Special Education (grades K-12), which includes New York State certification in those areas.
"This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for Hilbert students to accelerate their path to becoming certified educators," adds Wallace. "By creating this streamlined pathway, we are helping future educators save time and resources while pursuing their educational and professional goals."
"We are thrilled to unite Hilbert's Franciscan tradition of service with Canisius's Ignatian rigor in education, empowering our students to become tomorrow's impactful New York State teachers," continues Megan Witzleben, PhD, chair of the Division of Arts and Letters at Hilbert College.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
