Buffalo, NY - Canisius University will launch an Advanced Certificate in Health Education in summer 2026, expanding accelerated, graduate-level opportunities for educators as demand grows for dual-certified physical and health education teachers across Western New York. Offered fully online, the 12-credit graduate certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters, providing a streamlined option for certified educators seeking to expand their credentials.
The university is among the first institutions in Western New York to offer an advanced certificate of this kind, which gives educators a faster, more flexible option than traditional degree-based health education programs.
“The Advanced Certificate in Health Education advances Canisius University’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” says Irene Holohan-Moyer, PhD, associate vice president for academic affairs. “By expanding flexible, online pathways for adult learners, this program increases opportunities for career advancement and economic mobility while preparing educators to lead in a rapidly evolving education landscape.”
The new program is informed by recent changes to New York State Education Department requirements, which lowered the content coursework needed for an additional New York State (NYS) teaching certificate from 30 credits to 18. At the same time, demand for dual-certified educators continues to rise across the region.
“Most K-12 schools increasingly prefer candidates who are certified in both physical education and health,” added Holohan-Moyer. “Nearly all students currently enrolled in Canisius’ Master of Science in Physical Education initial certification program have indicated plans to pursue health certification.”
The advanced certificate curriculum draws from existing graduate programs in exercise science and physical education and focuses on content aligned with acceptable coursework for NYS certification in health education.
The program serves current NYS certified teachers seeking to add health credentials, as well as graduate students pursuing initial certification in physical education who want to enhance their marketability.
For more information about the Advanced Certificate in Health Education, click here.
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.
