Computer Science Education
One of the largest growing school subjects is in high need of certified professionals. Computer science remains one of the most sought-after skills that parents and administrators want students to acquire.
Innovate Your Career with an In-Demand Specialty
Designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to inspire the next generation of tech innovators, GSE's computer science program is forward-thinking and blends cutting-edge expertise with innovative teaching strategies to create impactful and engaging learning experiences.
Points of Distinction
GSE’s computer science program provides various pathways to New York State teacher certification in computer science for both new and current teachers. The program integrates innovative research on K–12 computer science teaching and learning.
Students experience hands-on learning experiences that integrate cutting-edge research and real-world applications. These programs ensure you gain practical skills and knowledge, preparing you to effectively teach and inspire the next generation of tech innovators.
Leverage your existing expertise and commitment, empowering you to expand into a new subject area without prior content knowledge. This track requires completion of college-level CS coursework and integrates your current discipline, providing a seamless transition and a strong foundation in computer science.
Initial certification is the main pathway to becoming a CS teacher for people who have a background in CS (an undergraduate degree or sufficient coursework). Our initial certificate track provides a certificate of advanced study and a recommendation for New York State initial certification in computer science education. This track consists of one year of coursework followed by a year-long residency in which teacher candidates are placed in classrooms under the supervision of a cooperating teacher.
Program Overview
| Prerequisite | An undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field, or 12 credit hours in computer science or a related field |
|---|---|
| Academic credential granted | Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) |
| Certification option | Successful completion of program leads to an institutional recommendation for NYS initial certification in computer science education |
| Grade levels | All grades |
| Credits required for completion | 36 |
| Time to completion | 2 years |
| Course delivery | On campus and online |
| Career opportunities | Computer science teacher |
| Experiential contact hours |
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| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Fall: Feb. 1, then rolling until July 15 |
The initial certification program in computer science is a residency-based program which uses a cohort model. You are expected to enroll in coursework according to the schedule below.
Fall Term 1 (9 credits)
- LAI 562 English Language Learners: Emergent Theory and Practices
- LAI 605 Critical Computational Literacies
- LAI 698 Instructional Strategies in Inclusive Classrooms
Spring Term 1 (9 credits)
- LAI 574 Teaching the Exceptional Learner
- LAI 611 Methods in Teaching Computer Science, Grades 1–12
- LAI 677 Survey of Topics in K–12 Computer Science
Fall Term 2: Residency (9 credits)
- LAI 667 Field Experience
- LAI 668 Supervised Teaching I
- LAI 676 The Pedagogy of Programming
Spring Term 2: Residency (9 credits)
- LAI 595 Supervised Teaching II
- LAI 674 Seminar in Teaching
- LAI 700 CS Education Capstone
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
Beginning with the spring 2022 semester, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for application to this program. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for two references
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Personal statements: Please upload as two separate documents on your application.
- Statement one: Please outline your reasons for applying to UB's teacher education program. Include a discussion of one or two pivotal experiences that have brought you to the profession of teaching, your professional objectives (both long- and short-term), and how the graduate program is aligned with your goals. (250 to 300 words)
- Statement two: In Multiplication is for White People: Raising Expectations for Other People’s Children (2013), Lisa Delpit wrote: “We can educate all children if we truly want to. To do so, we must first stop attempting to quantify their capacity. We must be convinced of their inherent capability, humanity, and spiritual character ... we must learn who our children are — their lived cultures; their interests; and their intellectual, political, and historical legacies.”
Discuss how these ideas resonate with your personal or prior experiences. Then explain how they align with your personal and professional values, especially when it comes to engaging with diverse communities and student populations. (400 to 500 words)
- Applicants to the master's degree program (professional certification) must have applied for, or received, New York State initial teacher certification in the matching certification area. If application for teacher certification is in process, proof of such application must be submitted. If already certified, a copy of proof of teacher certification is required.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Dignity for All Students Act Requirement
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) requires that all students applying for certification as of December 31, 2013 have 6 hours of coursework or training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination. As mandated by NYSED six clock hours of training in harassment, bullying, and discrimination prevention and intervention. This workshop is available through the University at Buffalo as well as other NYSED-approved providers. If you have already completed a workshop through a NYSED-approved provider, you must submit proof of completion when you apply.
Students with Disabilities Requirement
The New York State Education Department requires three semester hours of study in the area of students with disabilities for those who are entering the teacher education programs. If you have not yet fulfilled this requirement, you may take our students with disabilities course (LAI 574).
In-State Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A course-by-course transcript evaluation by a NACES member organization
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic.
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 96 for internet-based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Computer science teacher
New York State prides itself in the high quality of its licensed and certified professionals. For the protection of its citizens, each license and certificate has requirements that individuals must meet in order to be licensed or certified in New York State. SUNY’s academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed these State requirements. This is a role SUNY plays in protecting the public. Other states frequently have their own requirements, so if your goal is to practice in another state, this disclosure will help you check to see what that state requires.
Enrolled students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact their State’s licensure entity using the links provided in the full disclosure document to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice.