Work-Based Learning Certificate

Obtain your work-based learning extension to your current teaching license!

Work-based learning (WBL) is the “umbrella” name used to identify activities which collaboratively engage employers and schools in providing structured learning experiences for students. These experiences focus on assisting students develop broad, transferable skills for postsecondary education and the workplace.

The Work-Based Learning Coordinator extension is awarded to those who successfully complete Organization of Diversified Cooperative Work Study Programs (CTE450 or CTE550), and Operation of Diversified Cooperative Work Study Programs (CTE 455 or CTE55). The skills and knowledge you will master in these courses will transform you into a 21st Century work-based learning coordinator. The two online courses may be taken in any order but only one course per semester. Please check with your employer to determine whether you should take the courses at the undergraduate or graduate level. Current tuition rates are available on the Student Accounts Office website. 

If you are interested in a degree rather than a certificate, please see the Career and Technical Education department's website.

Required Courses

Course title: Organization of Diversified Cooperative Work Study Programs

Schedule: Offered during summer and spring semesters (3 credits)

Format: Online asynchronous

  • Philosophy of work-based learning programs
  • Types of work-based learning programs
  • CDOS commencement credential placement
  • New York state common core standards and career and technical education endorsements
  • CDOS commencement credential skill training
  • The 21st century educator and workplace
  • The role of the work-based learning coordinator
  • Networking techniques
  • Creating an industry advisory board
  • The role of the work-based learning coordinator
  • Making our students “workforce ready”
  • 21st century resumes
  • Social media and work-based learning programs
  • LinkedIn, google websites
  • Applying for grant monies or a career and technical education program approval

Course title:  Operation of Diversified Cooperative Work Study Programs

Schedule: Offered during summer and spring semesters (3 credits)

Format: Online asynchronous

  • Criteria for approved work-based learning programs
  • CDOS commencement credential placement marketing your program to students, parents, employers and colleagues
  • Employment certificates
  • Discovering your students “career DNA” and career counseling techniques
  • Pre-employment instruction
  • Counseling and coaching techniques
  • Job success skills
  • New York state child labor laws
  • Essential forms: memorandum of agreement, enrollment, training plans, timecards, work readiness credentials.
  • Related instruction for training site.
  • Safety training/hazardous occupations
  • Student resumes
  • Calculating your program’s return on investment

Interesting in Applying?

Both of the the required courses are offered as undergraduate and graduate courses. Some school districts require that you complete the program at the graduate level, so please check with your district for their requirements. After confirming with your district, fill out the appropriate application below.

As of fall 2025, the courses cost $935.55 at the undergraduate level and $1463.55 at the graduate level. These rates are subject to change.

Application Information

  1. Open the Undergraduate Application for Non-Degree Students
  2. Enter your personal information
  3. If you have previously attended Buffalo State and know your Banner ID, please enter it. If you do not know it, you may leave this blank.
  4. Under “Are you planning to enter into one of our certificate programs?", please select Yes
  5. In the drop-down menu that appears, please select "Undergraduate Non-Matriculated"
  6. Fill out the rest of the application, then click the grey Submit button at the bottom
If you have questions about the undergraduate application, please contact Admissions at 716-878-4017 or admissions@buffalostate.edu.
  1. Open the Graduate Non-Degree and Microcredential Application
  2. Enter your personal information
  3. Under “Are you an applicant for the International Graduate Program for Educators?”, please select no
  4. Under “Are you part of the Work Based Learning program run out of the Continuing Professional Studies Office?", please select yes
  5. The $65.00 application fee is payable online by credit card, Google Pay, or ACH.  If you cannot use any of these methods, you may mail us a check or money order. The check or money order should be made payable to SUNY Buffalo State and mailed to Continuing Professional Studies (see below for our address).  Please include your name and "WBL" on the check.
  6. Send official transcripts from previous bachelor’s or master’s degrees to the Graduate Admissions Office.  Paper transcripts should be mailed directly from the previously attended institutions in unopened, sealed envelopes. Transcripts should be addressed to Buffalo State Graduate Admissions, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Moot Hall 110, Buffalo, NY 14222. Electronic transcripts must be sent directly to graduateadmissions@buffalostate.edu. Electronic copies sent from the applicant will not be accepted.

Transcripts and Application Fee must be received within one week of online application submission.   

If you have questions about the graduate application, please contact Graduate Admissions at 716-878-4017 or graduateadmissions@buffalostate.edu.

After Applying

1

Complete a Remote Instruction Waiver

All students must provide immunization records to the Weigel Health Center. However, since your courses are online, you may apply for a waiver to have the immunization hold lifted. We cannot register you for courses until the hold is lifted. You may access the form here: Remote Instruction Waiver

2

Register for Courses

Email us cps@buffalostate.edu to be registered for the courses. Please do not register through the online course catalog. In your email, please include your name, Banner ID (if known), and the course and term you'd like to register for.
3

Log into Brightspace

Once your course begins, all coursework will be available in Brightspace. If you need assistance, please refer to Getting Started with Brightspace.
4

Pay for the Course

You'll receive an invoice by email within the first two weeks of the course. The email will contain a link to pay by credit card, or you may mail a check to the address on the invoice.

5

Obtain your Certification

After completing both courses, you can obtain your certification. Information regarding this process Teacher Certification Office's website. If you have questions about this process, please contact the Teacher Certification Office directly.

Two Work-Based Learning Certifications

Requirements:

  1. The extension shall authorize the candidate to coordinate work-based learning programs for career awareness, such as programs providing extended shadowing experiences, the General Education Work Experience Program (GEWEP), and the Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP).
  2. The candidate shall meet the requirements in each of the following subparagraphs: 
    1. The candidate shall hold a valid provisional, permanent, initial or professional certificate for classroom teaching service in middle childhood education including students with disabilities (5-9), any title in adolescence education including students with disabilities (7-12), or any title in (K-12); or a valid provisional certificate in the title school counselor (Pre-K-12).
    2. The candidate shall complete a program registered pursuant to section 52.21(b)(4)(vi) of this Title, or its equivalent consisting of a total of six semester hours of coursework that includes study in developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating work-based learning experiences and programs.
      (ii)The candidate shall have completed 300 clock hours of work experience outside of teaching.

Note:

  1. This extension may be obtained by any teacher (including special education teachers) or guidance counselor possessing at least grade 7 or above certification.
  2. The required outside work experience hours can be validated through paid, legal employment other than teaching (e.g., work experience while in college or during a previous career).

Requirements:

  1. The extension shall authorize the candidate to coordinate work-based learning programs for career development, such as the Cooperative Career and Technical Education Work Experience Program (CO-OP), the Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP), and internship and youth apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs.
  2. The candidate shall meet the requirements in each of the following subparagraphs:
    1. The candidate shall hold a valid provisional, permanent, initial, or professional certificate for classroom teaching service authorizing instruction in career and technical education.
    2. The candidate shall complete a program registered pursuant to section 52.21(b)(4)(vi) of this Title, or its equivalent, consisting of a total of six semester hours of coursework that includes study in developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating work-based learning experiences and programs.
    3. The candidate shall have completed 600 clock hours of work experience outside of teaching.

Note:

  1. This extension may be obtained by any teacher who possesses a certification in career and technical education at grades 7-12
  2. The required outside work experience hours can be validated through paid, legal employment other than teaching (e.g., work experience while in college or during a previous career).

Additional Information

For specific questions about the courses, please contact the instructor, Suzanne Zawan at zewansc@buffalostate.edu.

For questions related to certification, please contact the Teacher Certification Office.

For other questions, please contact Ian Leberman at cps@buffalostate.edu or 716-878-5907.