Master's courses 07-08:

March 10-14: EDL 585 Learning Styles

June 9-13: EDF 689 Research (2nd year teachers only) Download files

June 9-13: EDL 640 Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools

June 16-20: EDU 604 Instructional Strategies for More Effective Teaching

Master of Science Degree

Multidisciplinary Studies For Educators in American/International Schools

Thank you for your interest in graduate study through Buffalo State, SUNY. Buffalo State, SUNY is the largest college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system and is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Board of Regents, State University of New York. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredits the professional education programs. SUNY, a statewide system of 64 campuses, is the largest, most diverse multi-campus university in the United States.

The Master of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies is one of the 40 graduate programs offered by Buffalo State. The program is designed for individuals with unique professional and educational objectives not readily met by traditional master’s degree programs. Through advisement and within certain guidelines, students may design their own program by selecting graduate courses from any department at the college or from other accredited institutions. Numerous national as well as international educators enroll in this degree program.

The International Learning Styles Center of Buffalo State is responsible for the development, management and delivery of the Master of Science program in Multidisciplinary Studies as well as professional development for education professionals working at American/International Schools. The degree program is hosted by American/International Schools for cohorts (groups) of education professionals. The entire program requires ten (10) courses that can be delivered at the school site, electronically, or through a combined approach of on-site/on-line instruction depending on the course as well as the needs of the cohort.

Appropriate staff (e.g. School Head, Curriculum Coordinator, Teachers) from the host school collaborates with staff of the ILSC to select courses that will be offered for the degree program. The collaborative approach of course selection facilitates the design of a program that aligns with the school’s professional development initiatives and the faculty’s specific needs while adhering to the guidelines established for the degree. Selected courses usually apply across grade levels and curricula providing for the diverse needs of overseas educators.

The degree requires 30 semester credit hours, comprising at least 15 hours of 600- and 700-level courses, including a culminating master’s project. Students are allowed to transfer a maximum of 15 graduate level credit hours from another accredited institution into this program. Several students have used this option to take coursework in a particular content area (e.g. science, math, reading) or specialty such as early childhood education or counseling.

Examples of courses offered include Instructional Strategies for More Effective Teaching, Principles of Curriculum Design, Creative Problem Solving, and The Microcomputer in the Instructional Program. We also offer workshop courses that emphasize process and implementation of theory if there is an identified need of the cohort. For example, we have offered “Differentiation of Instruction”, “ESL in International School Settings” and “Problem-based Learning and Talent Development”.

Regional association conferences and workshops offered for credit by Buffalo State through AASSA, AISA, CEESA, EARCOS, MAIS, NESA, and the Tri Association provide another opportunity to complete graduate coursework for the degree. Students are allowed to include up to six (6) of the required 30 graduate credit hours through conference and/or workshop courses. Courses offered through the Principals’ Training Center (PTC), Teachers’ Training Center (TTC) and AISH also can be used as part of your on site degree program.

Professors who are familiar with the unique needs of overseas educators teach our courses. Some of our instructors are educators currently working overseas who have the credentials to become Buffalo State adjunct faculty. In that way, we have been able to utilize the talent within your own school community as well as other experts who may be consulting or providing professional development in your region.

The awarding of the Master of Science Degree does not give you Certification or Licensure although the courses offered are frequently applicable towards certification in most states. United States colleges/universities do not “grant” certification. Certification or Licensure is obtained through State Education Departments. For more information, the following website is linked to state certification offices:

http://www.emtech.net/cert.htm

Carolyn Brunner, Director
Pat Dunlop, Coordinator
Donna Brooks, Asst. Coordinator