Postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification Program
Program Code: UG-PBC-AS
Major Code: AED

Art and Design Department
Upton Hall 402
(716) 878-6032
artdesign.buffalostate.edu/art-education

Accredited: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE)
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) Accredited

Enrollment in all teacher education programs follows the guidelines for "Admission to Teacher Education Programs" found in this catalog.  Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the Program Coordinator.

This program is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree with coursework in fine arts, design, and/or art education from an accredited college or university and intend to complete the coursework required for New York State certification to teach visual art. After successfully completing the teacher-certification program and passing required New York State teacher certification exams, students are eligible to apply for New York State initial certification through the Teacher Certification Office, Chase Hall 222. No degree or certificate is awarded by Buffalo State.

Students are expected to complete the entire sequence of coursework and are responsible for any additional certification requirements established by the New York State Teacher Certification Division, including fingerprinting and at least four state-mandated seminars. Students in the program may elect to attend part time or full time, yet must attend full time during the student teaching semester. Courses are offered in spring and fall semesters (excluding summer) during the day to accommodate practical experiences in public schools.

Candidates should consult the Teacher Certification website for current seminars and workshops. https://teachercertification.buffalostate.edu/seminars-and-workshops

Advisement

Academic advisers are assigned by the department and must be consulted each semester in order to register for courses and finish in a timely manner. Students remain responsible for fulfilling department and college requirements specific to the program.

Financial Assistance

For financial aid purposes, students in this program are considered fifth-year undergraduates, eligible for undergraduate loans.

Admission Requirements

• For students to enroll and remain in the program, they must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• A portfolio review is required for admission to the program.
• In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog. Though this is not a Graduate Program, applications are processed through the Graduate Studies Office.
• This program is designed for students who have completed a visual arts related undergraduate degree. If applicants are missing courses equivalent to those found in Buffalo State’s undergraduate art studio foundations, they may be asked to take one or more courses to fulfill content needed for state required certification exams. The foundational art courses needed for New York State certification exams, which is expected applicants will have completed as part of their undergraduate degree programs, not included among the 36 credit hours required for completion of this program. 

Program Requirements