School of Education & Leadership Studies

Nancy Wallace, PhD., Dean; Mark Harrington, EdD, Associate Dean; Julie Marzolf, Executive Associate

Bagen Hall 202 | 2001 Main Street | Buffalo NY 14208 | 716 888-3294 | Fax: 716 888-3164

Mission Statement

The faculty of the School of Education and Leadership Studies (SELS), in concert with our candidates, school/community partners, alumni, and the community, seek to prepare highly effective, socially committed professionals who value the Jesuit traditions demonstrated through their own cura personalis, work towards social justice, and leadership through service. The mission of the unit is to prepare professionals who possess content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge; use their gifts in the service of others; and demonstrate professionalism and leadership in their field.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The School of Education and Leadership Studies offers graduate educator preparation programs for candidates seeking teaching certification and programs for certified teachers looking to add advanced credentials. The Canisius University Teacher Residency program offers a unique, immersive experience, providing a year-long paid teacher residency while candidates earn their master's degree. Additional programs in administration include Higher Education and Leadership Administration and Educational Leadership and Supervision. 

Admission

Applicants for admission to graduate work in SELS may be accepted as matriculants (master’s degree/advanced certificate candidates) in a particular program, or as non-matriculants. Except in unusual cases, non-matriculants may take no more than 9 credit hours before matriculation is required.

Admission Procedures

All applicants for admission to a graduate program must submit:

• One copy of official undergraduate transcripts indicating the receipt of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Letters of recommendation

Graduate Application

Teacher Education Applicants

A 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA is preferred. Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA below a 3.00 may be required to meet additional requirements in order to provide evidence of their ability to be successful in graduate studies (i.e., personal interview, additional coursework). 

Transfer Credits

No more than six credits of graduate coursework will be accepted in transfer from other institutions. The grades must have been at least “C” and must have been earned within the five-year time limit for completion of degree requirements. All transfer credits must coordinate with the candidate’s program of study at Canisius University, as approved by the program director. Any exceptions to the above may only be made with the approval of both the program director and the associate dean.

Credit by Examination

Individuals who are applying for admission or who are presently in attendance may obtain credit for previously completed examinations sponsored by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) or by the New York State College Proficiency Examination Program (CPE). The minimum acceptable grades for these exams are “Pass” for exams graded Pass/Fail and “C” for exams with letter grades. On exams graded on a standard score scale of 20 to 80, the passing score varies from 40 to 50 depending on the subject area. Candidates must consult with the associate dean for permission to use any credit by examination toward their graduate degree or certification requirements.

Master's degrees

Advanced Certificates

4+1 PROGRAMS

• BA/BS programs in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and History combine with a MSEd in Teaching Students with Disabilities Adolescent Generalist 7-12 to provide both general and special education certifications in a 4+1 bachelor's and master's degree program.

Accreditation

Canisius University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The educator preparation programs at Canisius University have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through December 31, 2031. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

AAQEP Accredited Programs at Canisius University 

All programs are registered and approved by the New York State Education Department.