Buffalo State has been offering graduate degree programs since 1945 and currently offers 44 master's degree and 12 advanced certificate programs in a wide range of areas, with over twenty areas of specialization in the master’s of science in education—more choices in graduate education study than any other SUNY school.

Specialized graduate degree programs include applied behavior analysis, dietetics, creativity and change leadership, data science and analytics, literacy specialist, and art conservation. While teacher education remains a tradition at Buffalo State, graduate programs in business management, adult education, applied economics, conflict analysis and resolution, and higher education and student affairs administration are unique within SUNY. Applied programs in public relations, disaster and emergency management, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), urban education, music education, great lakes environmental science, public and nonprofit management (MPA), professional applied and computational mathematics, science education, and students with disabilities offer exceptional opportunities for professional advancement.

Other distinctive graduate degree programs include criminal justice, industrial technology, biology, English, history, and the nutrition track option within multidisciplinary studies.

Outstanding opportunities for internships and clinical practice abound. Because Buffalo State is an urban-engaged community located in New York State’s second-largest city, the university can arrange many opportunities for field study or research.

Buffalo State’s graduate teacher education programs are distinctive in their ability to provide training in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The training prepares teachers to work effectively in culturally diverse settings, enhance teaching and learning, and reach students with a variety of needs and abilities.

Through assistantships and externally funded research projects, an increased number of graduate students are able to attend full time and participate in research and scholarly activities. Most students complete an applied research project as a culminating activity for the master’s degree. 

The campus also offers numerous opportunities for specialized study and research with its Great Lakes Center, the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department, the Center for China Studies, and various departmental initiatives.

Through the Career and Professional Education Center, students can obtain help seeking employment, and Buffalo State’s alumni network provides employment leads.