School of Behavioral & Health Studies
Shawn O'Rourke, PhD, Dean; Karl F. Kozlowski, PhD, Associate Dean; Kimberly Walkow, Executive Associate
Bagen Hall 205 | 2001 Main Street | Buffalo NY 14208 | 716-888-2160 | Fax: 716-888-2145
Mission Statement
The faculty of the School of Behavioral & Health Studies, in concert with our students, 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, and professional knowledge; use their gifts in the service of others; and demonstrate professionalism and leadership in their field.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The School of Behavioral and Health Studies offers curricula leading to graduate degrees and advanced certificates in a number of areas within the departments of Counseling and Human Services, Kinesiology and Physician Assistant Studies.
Counseling and Human Services
The Department of Counseling and Human Services offers programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling designed to prepare humanistic, competent, professional counselors.
Kinesiology
The Department of Kinesiology offers a program in Exercise Science and Sports Performance which trains students in the areas of exercise as medicine, with an emphasis on clinical exercise science, health behaviors, pre-habilitation and strength and conditioning.
Physician Assistant Studies
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies offers a master’s degree program consisting of didactic (classroom) training, clinical training, and a final phase of summative review and evaluation in preparation to become a physician assistant.
Admission
Applicants for admission to graduate work in the School of Behavioral and Health Studies 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
Counseling and Kinesiology Applicants
Admission will require a 2.70 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA below a 2.70 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).
Physician Assistant Studies Applicants
Please refer to the Physician Assistant Studies website for specific information regarding the CASPA application process and admissions.
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 student’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.
Master's degrees
| Majors | Department |
|---|---|
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Counseling |
| Exercise Science | Kinesiology |
| Physician Assistant Studies | Physician Assistant |
| School Counseling | Counseling |
Advanced Certificates
| Majors | Department |
|---|---|
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Counseling |
| School Counseling | Counseling |
| Sports Performance | Kinesiology |
Accreditation
Counseling
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accreditor in the field of counseling, accredits the two counseling programs leading towards a Master of Science degree. CACREP has reaffirmed the accreditation of these programs through October 2033, with progress report required by May 15, 2026.
Physician Assistant Studies
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Canisius University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Canisius University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be July 2035. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.
