Postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification Program
Program Code: UG-PBC-AH
Major Code: ENS
HEGIS 1501.01

English Department
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Accredited
Ketchum Hall 213, (716) 878-5417
english.buffalostate.edu/

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 department.

The English education (7-12) postbaccalaureate teacher certification program leads to eligibility for New York State initial certification to teach English in grades 7-12. This program is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in English or a related field from an accredited college or university and intend to complete the coursework required for New York State certification to teach English in secondary or middle schools.

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 certification through the Teacher Certification Office, Chase Hall 222. No degree or certificate is awarded by Buffalo State.

Students are responsible for any additional certification requirements, including the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills written test for provisional/initial certification, and child abuse certification.

It takes approximately three to four semesters to complete certification requirements at Buffalo State. Students in this program take both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and are billed appropriately for each level. Graduate-level credits may be applied to a master’s degree at Buffalo State.

In addition to academic requirements, students who are enrolled in teacher education programs leading to Initial Certification or Initial/Professional certification are required to complete all seminars specifically required by New York State for program completion and graduation, including School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE); Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment; Alcohol and Other Drug Avoidance; Fire and Arson Safety; HIV and the Classroom; and Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Discrimination in Schools: Prevention and Intervention (DASA Training). These seminar requirements are subject to change. 

Advisement

Each student is assigned an academic adviser.

Financial Assistance: For financial aid purposes, students are considered fifth-year undergraduates, eligible for undergraduate loans.

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) and a major in English (or a related discipline with a minimum of 36 credit hours in English), including courses in Shakespeare, ethnic American literature, young adult literature, and world literature.¹
2. A minimum GPA of 2.75 in English coursework.¹
3. Two years of high school or two semesters of college study in one foreign language.¹ Applicants must verify foreign language study with high school or college transcripts.
4. Coursework in exceptional education and educational technology (3 credit hours each) or demonstrated expertise in these areas.¹

In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.

Program Requirements