Graduate Certificate Programs
Buffalo State offers various graduate certificate programs. All of the programs are registered with the New York State Education Department as "Advanced Certificate" programs. The programs are offered and delivered by Buffalo State as Advanced Graduate Certificate or Certificate of Advanced Study. As required by NYS regulation, all graduate course work applicable to any of these certificate programs must be applicable to one or more graduate degree programs offered by Buffalo State.
Credit Requirement
Credit requirements for graduate certificate programs vary greatly and are established in program design at the time of establishment and registration. Generally, the Advanced Graduate Certificate requires in the range of 12–21 graduate credits; and the Certificate of Advanced Study, generally involving study beyond the master’s level, requires 15–43 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate degree.
Program Regulations
Individual graduate certificate programs may include various additional requirements beyond those stated here. The official curriculum as detailed in the Graduate Catalog should always be examined to determine if additional requirements exist within the graduate certificate program.
Residence Study Requirements
For graduate certificate programs, at least 50 percent of the total credits must be completed through study at Buffalo State. Departments reserve the right to require more than 50 percent be completed through study at Buffalo State.
Statute of Limitations and Advanced Standing
All requirements for the certificate must be completed within six calendar years from the date of initial registration in the program. Prior course work completed and presented by the student for advanced standing in the program at the point of admission shall be subject to review and approval for inclusion by action of the program faculty.