Inspire, Lead, and Educate with Canisius University

At Canisius University, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of teachers and school leaders. Whether you are an aspiring teacher, seeking to attain your professional certification in New York State, or looking to advance into school building or district leadership, our programs are designed to drive tangible results both during your time at Canisius in the your career. 

With expert faculty and a strong network of alumni and partnerships, Canisius provides a success-oriented educational experience that empowers you to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond. 

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Best Education Programs for Aspiring Teachers 

Bachelor's Degree Options

You’ll complete a degree that integrates both coursework and early hands-on classroom experience, preparing you for first teacher certification. Through our on-campus programs, you can choose from a variety of grade levels and subject areas to specialize in, ensuring you are well-equipped to inspire and educate the next generation of students.

Be an Early Childhood Teacher (Childcare Centers, Daycare, Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten)
Be an Elementary School Teacher (Grade 1 to Grade 6)
Be a Middle School Teacher (Grade 6 to Grade 9)


 

Be a High School Teacher (Grade 9 to Grade 12)

 

Be a Special Education Teacher
Be a Physical Education and Health Teacher

Physical Education/Health

Be a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Childhood Education / Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Be an Athletic Director

To become a high school athletic director in New York State, you typically need the following education and certifications:

Education Requirements:

One of your degrees must allow you to become a certified teacher.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degree:

This degree can be in any area including:

  • Any of our Teacher Education programs listed above
  • Health & Wellness
  • Sports & Exercise Health Care
  • Sports Management
  • Sport Pedagogy

Graduate (Master’s) Degree (Required for NY State Professional Certification as a Teacher):

If you have a Bachelor's degree outside of teacher education, your Master's degree must be in a teacher education area. For that, you can select any of our graduate degrees listed below.

If your Bachelor’s degree allowed you to become a certified teacher your Master's can be in fields that qualify for Professional Certification such as:

  • Exercise Science (online)
  • Instructional Technologies and Curriculum Design (online)
  • Literacy Education (online)
  • Physical Education (online)
  • Special Education (Advanced) (online)
  • Special Education - All Grades
  • Sport Administration (online)
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (online)

You must have completed your master's and three years of teaching or pupil personnel services experience before you can apply for an educational leadership program.

Certification & Licensing Requirements:

New York State School District Leader (SDL) and School Building Leader (SBL) Certification
 

  • School Building Leader (SBL) Certification
  • School District Leader (SDL) Certification

These certifications require passing the relevant New York State exams and fulfilling education and experience requirements.

Coaching Certification

If you also want to coach, and are not a certified Physical Education Teacher you must meet NYSPHSAA (New York State Public High School Athletic Association) and NYSED (New York State Education Department) coaching requirements, including First Aid & CPR certification.

Master's Degree Options

If you’ve already completed a Bachelor’s degree and want to become a teacher, these programs are a fit for you. You'll complete both your master's degree and teaching qualifications at the same time. Through these on-campus and online programs, we offer a variety of grade levels and content areas for you to become certified in. We offer an average graduate program length of 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. 

 
Be an Early Childhood Teacher (Childcare Centers, Daycare, Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten)
Be an Elementary School Teacher (Grade 1 to Grade 6)
Be a Middle School Teacher (Grade 6 to Grade 9)
Be a High School Teacher (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
Be a Special Education Teacher
Be a Physical Education Teacher

Physical Education

Be a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Be a Teacher Resident 

Canisius University Teacher Residency

Be an Athletic Director

To become a high school athletic director in New York State, you typically need the following education and certifications:

Education Requirements:

One of your degrees must allow you to become a certified teacher.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degree:

This degree can be in any area including:

Graduate (Master’s) Degree (Required for NY State Professional Certification as a Teacher):

If you have a Bachelor's degree outside of teacher education, your Master's degree must be in a teacher education area. For that, you can select any of our graduate degrees listed below.

If your Bachelor’s degree allowed you to become a certified teacher your Master's can be in fields that qualify for Professional Certification such as:

You must have completed your master's and three years of teaching or pupil personnel services experience before you can apply for an educational leadership program.

Certification & Licensing Requirements:

New York State School District Leader (SDL) and School Building Leader (SBL) Certification
 

  • School Building Leader (SBL) Certification
  • School District Leader (SDL) Certification

These certifications require passing the relevant New York State exams and fulfilling education and experience requirements.

Coaching Certification

If you also want to coach, and are not a certified Physical Education Teacher you must meet NYSPHSAA (New York State Public High School Athletic Association) and NYSED (New York State Education Department) coaching requirements, including First Aid & CPR certification.

Be a School Counselor

School Counseling 

For Current Teachers

Graduate education programs at Canisius are perfect for current teachers looking to enhance their career in education by adding more credentials. Our multiple online programs offer flexibility to fit around work schedules.

Be a School Building Leader (SBL)
Be a School District Leader (SDL)
Be a School District Business Leader (SDBL)

School District Business Leader Advanced Certificate (20 Credits)

Earn your New York State Professional Certification for Teaching
Earn an Advanced Certificate in Teaching

Why Canisius Education Programs? 

  • Top-Ranked in Education: We are ranked among the Best Online Master's Education Programs in the nation according to US News & World Report, making Canisius one of the most respected universities for education majors in upstate New York. 
  • Speed to completion: We offer an average program length of: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. Plus, Many programs do not require prerequisites for admission.
  • Work around your life: We offer flexible scheduling and multiple online programs to fit your schedule
  • Financing options available: We offer scholarships and partnership discounts available for working professionals. Learn about financing graduate school. 
  • Lifelong career services: A personalized approach with counselors who work with your specific needs and lifelong career services through the Career Development Center

  • Real-world learning opportunities: Our students are working in classrooms for student teaching experiences early in their education

  • Stay Current: Canisius education program graduates are reflective learners, educators and leaders positioned to address head-on today’s issues in education.

canisius student christine teacher residency
Canisius is filled with the kindest and most supportive individuals I’ve had the pleasure of encountering; they are genuinely invested in your success both in and out of the classroom.
Christine B., Teacher Residency Graduate

Take the Next Step 

If you have questions for our admissions counselors or are ready to apply, follow the links below:

Undergraduate Admissions

Phone: (716) 888-2200
Toll free: 1-800-843-1517
Email: @email

Apply Now Request Information

Graduate Admissions 

Phone: (716) 888-2545
Toll free: 1 (800) 950–2505
Email: @email

Apply Now Request Information