UB Graduate School of Education Expands Online Programs

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education (GSE) will mark the 10th anniversary of its innovative online programs by doubling the number of full-degree or certificate programs it offers.

The new programs include a fully online master's degree in library science with school library media certification. Other online programs offered by GSE include a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, a master's degree in education in science and the public, an advanced graduate certificate in gifted education with certification, and a master's degree in library science with a concentration in reference.

The school also began offering three new advanced graduate certificates in the spring in mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and educational technologies and new literacies.

Applications are now being accepted for all programs. To apply online or for more information about any of the programs, visit http://gse.buffalo.edu/online or call Louise Lalli, programs manager, at 716-645-6622.

"Our online programs have been a key initiative of Dean Mary Gresham in positioning GSE as a global leader in education," says Christine Kroll, assistant dean of the Graduate School of Education. "These programs serve to diversify our student population, bringing together students from around the country and the world.

"By extending our reach beyond the typical geographic boundaries of the university," Kroll says, "we are able to attract high quality students who are ready to engage and collaborate with fellow students from various cultures and life experiences."

Beginning with the fall 2011 semester, GSE students enrolled solely in online programs will represent more than 10 percent of the school's enrollment. GSE now has 161 alumni who have graduated with degrees offered fully online.

The testimonials from these alumni show the scope and effectiveness of the program.

"I have found the science and the public program to be stimulating and rewarding, both in terms of its content and in terms of the experience of taking the program at a distance," says Brian Hughes of Galway, Ireland. "Working in education, I am frequently faced with the challenge of communicating complex science ideas to audiences whose level of understanding is only just emerging.

"Taking the program from Ireland has presented no difficulties for me. In fact, it has been particularly rewarding to be part of a group of international students who are located in many places around the world."

The Graduate School of Education has become a model for establishing online courses and degrees. Kroll and her colleague, Kay Bishop, associate professor and former director of school media program in library and information studies, recently co-authored a four-step framework to guide other colleges and universities. The framework was published in the book "Cases for Building Quality Distance Delivery Programs: Strategies and Experiences" in 2010.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.