Niagara University offers advanced courses of study and research through its graduate divisions. Niagara’s graduate programs feature a combination of engaging coursework and hands-on learning. Through the challenging curriculum individuals are taught by highly credentialed faculty. Students expand their knowledge through field experiences, internships, community projects and research. The Niagara University approach to learning prepares individuals to excel in their career and to be change leaders in their chosen field. Niagara’s graduate programs are delivered through convenient models with evening, weekend and online courses.

The Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences

This division offers curricula leading to the master of science (M.S.) degree in Criminal Justice administration. The program is designed to accommodate criminal justice working professionals as well as those transitioning from undergraduate studies into work in the criminal justice field, and those who plan to pursue criminal justice-related careers in operations, research and teaching. Current Niagara University Criminal Justice majors may qualify for the 4+1 BS/MS accelerated program option.

Also offered is a master of arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A.) which provides recent graduates an opportunity to engage in a particular topic of study relevant to their chosen profession. The program allows students to design a graduate curriculum that suits their goals and interests. The diverse mix of courses, such as Grant Writing, Interdisciplinary Methods, and methodological seminars to thematic courses, independent studies to internships, enable students to self-design an innovative curriculum that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, often to answer a specific question or to address a theme of interest to the student. The Interdisciplinary Studies program prepares students for diverse career paths with unique curriculum flexibility.

Contact:
Graduate Division of Arts & Sciences
graduate@niagara.edu
716.286.8327

The Graduate Division of Business Administration

This division offers programs designed for students and working professionals who are interested in advancing their careers. Students will gain real-world knowledge, acquire advanced technology and effective leadership skills and learn to develop markets effectively. Students in the 4+1 program in accounting and business will be able to complete the MBA one year or less. The MBA is a highly sought after degree in industry and students are able to concentrate in at least one of several areas such as healthcare administration, accounting, finance, strategic marketing, strategic management, international business and human resource management.

The Master of Science in Finance (MS.Fin ) provides students with an advanced study in the areas of corporate finance, investments, risk management, and financial planning.

The Master in Healthcare Administration (MHA) is the newest addition to the programs offered in the College of Business. It provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as administrators in a variety of healthcare settings.

Contact:
Graduate Business Programs
mba@niagara.edu
716.286.8596

The Graduate Division of Education

This division offers programs leading to M.S.Ed., M.S., M.A., CAS and Ph.D. degrees in areas of study related to teaching, educational leadership, developmental disabilities, clinical counseling professions and leadership and policy.

Programs in the field of teaching and teacher education include M.S. Ed. and/or certificates of advanced study in Special Education, Literacy Instruction, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and Early Childhood/Special Education (B-grade 2). These programs fulfill requirements for initial/ professional certification in New York state. M.S.Ed. programs in Special Education (1-6 and 7-12) are also offered in a fully online format.

The M.S.Ed. degree is also offered in teacher education for students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning to prepare for teacher certification. The M.S.Ed. degree program in middle and adolescence education prepares its graduates for initial/professional certification to teach an academic subject in New York state. The M.S.Ed. degree in early childhood and childhood education prepares its graduates for initial/professional certification in elementary and middle school. These programs also prepare students from Ontario to teach in the primary/junior and intermediate /senior settings.

Programs in the clinical, counseling and human services professions include the master of science (M.S.) degree, 4+2 program and bridge program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the M.S.Ed. and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling, the M.S. and Professional Diploma in School Psychology, and the M.A. in Developmental Disabilities. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is licensure-eligible; School Counseling and School Psychology programs lead to provisional/permanent certification in New York State. The 4+2 program in Clinical Mental Health allows individuals pursuing a Niagara University bachelor's degree in psychology to take graduate courses in clinical mental health counseling during their senior year, thereby accelerating their progress through the master's program. Graduates of the dual-degree (4+2) program will possess a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. in clinical mental health counseling.

The division also offers M.S.Ed. and CAS programs to prepare educational leaders for building level, district-level and school business positions within school districts. These programs lead to New York state professional certification for building, district and school business leaders. A certificate of advanced study is also offered in Teacher-Leadership. The Educational Leadership and Developmental Disabilities programs are offered in a fully online format. The Ontario Ministry of Education has awarded Niagara University ministerial consent to offer its master’s degree program in Educational Leadership and Bachelor of Professional Studies program in teacher education in approved sites in Ontario. Niagara University in Ontario also offers courses of Additional Qualifications for OCT members in good standing.

Niagara University’s degree programs in education, graduate and undergraduate, are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Niagara University’s teacher education program in Ontario is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

Contact:
Graduate Education Program
grad-ed@niagara.edu
716.286.8336

The Graduate Division of Hospitality, Sport, & Tourism Management

The M.S. in Sport Management is a focused, yet flexible, graduate program designed to meet the needs of today’s graduate student, while developing skilled professionals for management in all areas of the sport industry. Building on Niagara’s strong undergraduate sport management program, students will work alongside industry professionals while learning from engaging full-time faculty. Offering an internship or a thesis track, students may select the format that best fits their abilities and accommodates their future interests in sport. The rigorous curriculum and experiential learning requirements are specifically designed to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful in a broad range of sport industry opportunities, or move on to further study.

Contact:
Graduate Division of Hospitality & Tourism
graduate@niagara.edu
716.286.8327

Ph.D. Program

A Ph.D. program in Leadership and Policy is offered through the Graduate Division of Education. The interdisciplinary doctoral program serves experienced professionals who seek to generate research related to core professional issues in keeping with the Vincentian mission of the university and their career fields of study.

Contact:
Ph.D. Program
grad-ed@niagara.edu
716.286.8336

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Niagara University currently offers more than 60 different assistantships, scholarships, awards, and campus employment opportunities for well-qualified students matriculated in one of NU’s graduate degree programs. Graduate positions give students the opportunity to become engaged in the campus community, contribute to an individual office, and develop personally and professionally while pursuing an advanced degree. Opportunities for Niagara University graduate students may include paid positions, stipends, or scholarships. For more information please visit www.niagara.edu/gradaid.