About the Program
Accredited: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE)
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.
Professional Licensure: This program leads to a recommendation for NYS certification; please check for certification requirements in all other states.
This graduate program is designed to provide maximum flexibility in meeting individual interests while ensuring a broad understanding of the various aspects of the teaching of English. The program develops highly qualified teachers who are prepared to exercise leadership as accomplished professional educators.
Culminating Activity (students choose one of three options): In consultation with a full-time faculty member in the English education program, students choose to
1. complete the master’s thesis, a traditional in-depth exploration, usually of a literary topic and/or theme;
2. complete a master’s project consisting of applied research in English education; or
3. take an English comprehensive examination.
Candidates should consult the Teacher Certification website for current seminars and workshops.
About the English Department
208 Ketchum Hall
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-5417
Fax:
https://english.buffalostate.edu/
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
2. 36 credit hours in English beyond freshman composition, including preparation in linguistics, young adult literature, American literature (including ethnic American literature), British literature (including Shakespeare), and World literature.
3. 27 credit hours in professional education, including secondary English methods and student teaching in middle or secondary schools.
4. Initial certificate in English 7-12.
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate program section in the Graduate Catalog.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
1. demonstrate knowledge of English language arts subject matter content that specifically includes literature and multimedia texts as well as knowledge of the nature of adolescents as readers.
2. demonstrate knowledge of English language arts subject matter content that specifically includes language and writing as well as knowledge of adolescents as language users.
3. plan instruction and design assessments for reading and the study of literature to promote learning for all students.
4. plan instruction and design assessments for composing texts (i.e., oral, written, and visual) to promote learning for all students.
5. plan, implement, assess, and reflect on research-based instruction that increases motivation and active student engagement, builds sustained learning of English language arts, and responds to diverse students’ context-based needs.
6. demonstrate knowledge of how theories and research about social justice, diversity, equity, student identities, and schools as institutions can enhance students’ opportunities to learn in English Language Arts.
7. interact knowledgeably with students, families, and colleagues based on social needs and institutional roles, engage in leadership and/or collaborative roles in English Language Arts professional learning communities, and actively develop as professional educators.
8. demonstrate applications of data literacy to inform instruction practice and classroom research.
9. demonstrate use of research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies to inform their understanding of student learning and pedagogical practices.
10. demonstrate ability to employ data analysis and evidence to develop supportive, diverse, equitable, and inclusive school environments.
11. demonstrate the ability to lead and/or participate in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents.
12. demonstrate the ability to utilize appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization.
13. demonstrate their ability to apply professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (18 credit hours)
ENG 569 LITERATURE & PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN ENGLISH 7-12 3
ENG 691 ADVANCED STUDY IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH 3
ENG 692 THE TEACHING OF WRITING 3
ENG 693 RESEARCH IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH 7-12 3
ENG 694 TEACHING LITERATURE 7-12 3
EDU 620 TEACHING AND LEARNING IN DIVERSE CLASSROOMS 3
Electives (9-12 credit hours)
At least two electives must be in literature. * 9-12
*Possible English literature courses include: ENG 612 (British), ENG 621 (American), ENG 623 (Europe), ENG 638 (Studies in Individual Writers), and ENG 639 (Studies in Literary Genres), ENG 644 (Ideology and Literature), ENG 645 (Literature and Social Justice), and ENG 652 (Literary Criticism). Students also may select graduate courses from other appropriate departments, such as Elementary Education, Literacy, and Educational Leadership, Exceptional Education, Social and Psychological Foundations of Education, under advisement.
Master's Project or Comprehensive Examination (0-3 credit hours)
Select one from the following: 0-6
ENG 690 MASTER'S PROJECT 3
Comprehensive Examination 0
Total Credit Hours 30