St. Bonaventure University

School of Education


Involved in the preparation of educators since 1916, we're recognized by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education as a Top 25 Innovative program, and we're CAEP accredited.

CAEP long_Logo_webThis performance-based accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ensures that teacher candidates are prepared to make a difference in P-12 student learning.

The School of Education is fully accredited by CAEP, an internationally recognized accrediting body for educator preparation.

We offer Professional Development School (PDS) programs in all initial teacher certification. Many of our programs are offered in a hybrid, or "blended," format, which integrates classroom instruction with online activities.

5 undergraduate degrees offering intensive preparation and innovative teaching strategies


For incoming Education majors, we offer a number of bachelor's degree programs.

  • ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION: For students seeking New York state certification in specific secondary (7-12) subjects. Early assurance program available.

  • EDUCATIONAL STUDIES*: For students seeking careers working with children and families.

  • CHILDHOOD EDUCATION:  Four distinct Bachelor of Science degrees for students who want to be elementary school teachers. Early assurance program available.

  • PHYSICAL EDUCATION: For students seeking certification in PE and coaching. Early assurance program available.

  • SPORT STUDIES: A non-teaching major for students seeking careers in wellness and leisure industries, sports management and a host of related occupations.

  • *Formerly known as Childhood Studies

Consider our early assurance opportunity

We offer an early assurance program for qualified high school seniors who enroll in an undergraduate teacher-preparation program. Those accepted into the early assurance program have a reserved seat awaiting them in one of three St. Bonaventure master's degree programs upon completion of their undergraduate studies and teacher certification. Learn more about early assurance.


A doctorate, 6 master's degrees and 4 advanced certificate programs


Doctor of Education Program
  • EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP (EdD): for those working in education leadership, the government sector, private sector, education technology, or something similar. The program can provide the foundation to solve large institutional issues and create transformational change within organizations. It is offered online.
Master's Degree Programs
  • B-12 LITERACY: For certified teachers seeking a master's degree to teach birth to Grade 12 as a literacy coach, reading teacher, or literacy specialist. (This program replaces two former programs: Childhood Literacy and Adolescent Literacy.)

  • EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP (MSED): For teachers looking to become future leaders through critical inquiry, reflection and dynamic leadership strategies. 
  • ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION: This one-year program provides individuals who have a baccalaureate degree in a content subject the opportunity to become initially certified to teach that subject in grades 7-12 in New York state.
  • INCLUSIVE SPECIAL EDUCATION: The 100% online program is designed to help teachers meet the ever-changing demands of diverse classrooms and may be completed by teachers with certification in nearly any area or grade level. 
  • CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING: This 100% online program is designed for individuals who wish to serve as counselors in community-based agencies — for example, mental health and social service agencies, hospitals, clinics, and college counseling centers.
  • SCHOOL COUNSELING: This 100% online program is designed for individuals who wish to serve as counselors in K-12 settings.

Advanced Certificate Programs
  • SCHOOL BUILDING LEADER: Designed for elementary and secondary teachers and school counselors seeking to become school principals.

  • SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADER: Designed for candidates seeking to become administrators at the district level (superintendents).

  • CHILDHOOD B-6 LITERACY EXTENSION ACS: For SBU graduates (from 2000 to 2020 only) who earned a master's in Adolescent Literacy 5-12 and wish to extend their certification to B-12.

  • ADOLESCENT 5-12 LITERACY EXTENSION ACS: For SBU graduates (from 2000 to 2020 only) who earned a master's in Childhood Literacy B-6 and wish to extend their certification to B-12.

  • Please Note: Enrollment in our advanced certificate program in Teaching Students with Exceptionalities has been paused for the time being. Please return to this webpage for updates.


Featured Educator


Lindsay Simpson, a STEAM & instructional tech specialist at Genesee Valley Central School who earned her master's and School Building Leader certificate at SBU, is an Eduporium Featured Educator.

Learn about Lindsay

Experiential learning: A cornerstone of our program


We believe you become an effective educator through extensive, supervised and structured real-world experience, so our programs are built around meaningful practicum sessions in our many partner schools in New York and Pennsylvania.

This is also true of our advanced master’s degree programs for teachers as well as the preparation of school and clinical mental health counselors and school administrators.  

All initial teacher preparation programs require coursework in both professional education studies and an academic area. Elementary Education majors complete an academic concentration of no fewer than 30 credit hours in a liberal arts area. Physical Education majors complete their academic concentration in biology.

This combination of classroom instruction and authentic off-campus experience means our graduates are not only knowledgeable in their area of academic interest, but have demonstrated their effectiveness in the field, making them very desirable candidates in the job market. Ninety-four percent (94%) of recent graduates are either working in their chosen field or continuing their education.


  • Effective educators, great leaders


    Classroom instruction, authentic off-campus and meaningful extracurricular experiences position our graduates to be knowledgeable and innovative teachers.

    About the School of Education


    The School of Education at St. Bonaventure University is nationally accredited by NCATE, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. This means that all of our undergraduate and graduate programs meet local, state, and professional standards in education.

  • News-Publications-Research- Banner
      Dec 04, 2024 | St. Bonaventure University students representing the Physical Education, Sport Studies and Occupational Therapy programs delivered a presentation at a state conference that highlighted their innovative work in merging assistive technology with adapted physical education.

      Nov 23, 2024 | Dr. Tyrone Bynoe, associate professor of Education and director of the Educational Leadership program, gave an online presentation of his paper at the annual Organization of Educational Historians conference, held Sept. 28.

      Nov 08, 2024 | Brenda Cappy Gruhn, adjunct instructor of Counselor Education, presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling Association's 56th Annual Conference in Harrisburg. The title of the presentation was "Utilizing Mindfulness to Help College Students Manage Their Mental Health."