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

Applying as an Undergraduate Student

  1. Complete the non-degree application 
    Undergraduate application
  2. Select YES to question “Are you planning to enter into one of our certificate programs? 
  3. Please select Undergraduate Non-Matriculated
If you have questions about the undergraduate application, please contact Admissions at (716) 878-4017 or admissions@buffalostate.edu.
 
Undergraduate application

Applying as an Graduate Student

  1. Complete the non-degree application
  2. Select No to question “Are you an applicant for the International Graduate Program for Educators?”
  3. Select YES to question “Are you part of the Work Based Learning program run out of the Continuing Professional Studies Office?” 
  4. The $65.00 application fee is payable online by credit card.  We will accept checks if you do not have a credit card.  Check should be payable to SUNY Buffalo State and mailed to Continuing Professional Studies (see below for our address).  Please make a notation on the check that it is for WBL. 
  5. Send official transcripts from either a bachelor’s or master’s degree directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.  Physical (paper) transcripts should be mailed directly from the previously attended institutions in unopened, sealed envelopes. Transcripts can be sent directly to Buffalo State Graduate Admissions, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, 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.

Graduate application

After Applying

Please be on the lookout for information from the Weigel Health Center regarding Immunization records needed. Online students should complete the remote instruction waiver and then any holds will be released. The form only takes a minute to complete and then the hold is typically released within 24 hours by Weigel.
Remote Instruction Waiver
 
After you completed the non-degree application above, you will receive an acceptance email. Once you receive this, you MUST email Ian Leberman 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.

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 lebermia@buffalostate.edu or (716) 878-5205.