All undergraduate special education and childhood education majors must complete a 30-hour concentration in an academic area.
Students must indicate their choice of concentration when applying for the major. Once a concentration is chosen and recorded, it will appear on the student's DegreeWorks.
IF Requirements
In order to provide the in-depth experience required by the state, 18 credits of each concentration must be at the 300- or 400-level.
Since many concentration courses may also be used in completing the college's Intellectual Foundations (IF) requirement, a concentration should be selected as early as possible.
A teacher-candidate should be aware of the possibility for double- or triple-dipping some of their concentration courses with either distribution or IF requirements.
Roadmaps
Our academic roadmaps include suggestions to maximize double- and triple-dipping; however, it should be noted that there are several ways to complete most of the concentrations.
Note: A course taken to meet the concentration, distribution, or professional sequence requirement cannot be taken Pass/Fail.
English Concentration (PDF) Mathematics Concentration (PDF) Science Concentration (PDF) Social Studies Concentration (PDF) Spanish Concentration (PDF) Urban Studies Concentration (PDF)Advisement
It is important for candidates to seek advisement each semester and to review the department handbook for a list of courses that are needed to fulfill each of the concentrations.
Early and careful planning with an adviser will be necessary in order to meet all requirements within the 120 credit hour minimum requirement for graduation. However, it must be noted that students might exceed the 120 credit hour minimum in order to complete the degree.
Advisement Undergraduate Handbook (PDF) Graduate Handbook (PDF)Approved Concentrations
The English Concentration consists of 10 courses or a total of 30 credit hours chosen as described below. At least 18 credit hours must be at the upper division (300 or 400) level. It is strongly suggested that the student work closely with an advisor in all concentration planning.
REQUIRED COURSES (18 crs.)
A. ENG 190 (pre-requisite CWP 102)
B. ENG 260 Children's Literature (OR option for Extension students: ENG 461 Young Adult Literature)
C. SPC/COM 205 Intro to Oral Communication
D. Advanced Writing Course
Choose one:
ENG 300W Writing for the Professions
ENG 301W Advanced Composition
ENG 305W Creating Writing: Narrative
ENG 306W Creating Writing: Poetry
E. ENG 370 Foundations of Language OR ENG 311 Methods in Teaching Language
F. Ethnic American Literature
Choose one:
ENG 240 African American Literature to 1940
ENG 241 African American Literature since 1940
ENG 353 Native American Literature
ENG 354 Ethnic-American Minority Literature
ELECTIVES (12 crs.)
Four courses may be selected from any of the following with at least 18 upper division credit hours in your concentration:
ENG 130 Biblical and Classical Literature
ENG 151 Introduction to Poetry
ENG 205 History of Cinema I
ENG 206 History of Cinema II
ENG 210 English Literature I
ENG 211 English Literature II
ENG 220 American Literature I
ENG 221 American Literature II
ENG 230 Comparative Literature
ENG 231 Women in Literature
ENG 240 African American Literature to 1940
ENG 241 African American Literature since 1940
ENG 252 Twentieth Century Literature I
ENG 253 Twentieth Century Literature II
ENG 303 Literature in Film
ENG 304 Forms of Film
ENG 309 Teaching and Evaluating Writing - course suggestion for extensions
ENG 310 Modern European Literature
*ENG 311W Teaching Language - course suggestion for extensions
*ENG 315 Shakespeare I - course suggestion for extensions
*ENG 316 Shakespeare II - course suggestion for extensions
*ENG 317 Shakespeare for future teachers - course suggestion for extension (see dept.)
ENG 330 Literature of the Bible
ENG 345 World Literature After 1945
ENG 350 Twentieth Century Drama I
ENG 351 Twentieth Century Drama II
ENG 353 Native American Literature
ENG 354 Ethnic American Literature
ENG 355 The Short Story
ENG 356 Futuristic Fiction
ENG 361 Contemporary Literature
ENG 415 Seventeenth Century English Literature
ENG 416 Eighteenth Century English Literature
ENG 417 English Novel to 1800
ENG 418 English Novel 1800-1900
ENG 419 Romantic Movement in English Literature
ENG 441 Romantic Movement in American Literature
ENG 442 American Novel to 1900
ENG 443 American Poetry since 1900
ENG 444 American Novel since 1900
ENG 445 American Realism
ENG 450 Studies in Poetry
ENG 451 Studies in Fiction
ENG 452 Studies in Drama
The Mathematics concentration consists of a total of 30-32 credits chosen as described below. It is strongly suggested that the student work closely with their advisor. Students are encouraged to discuss their programs with members of the Mathematics Department in all concentration planning.
The math department will not accept any substitutions for students in the math extension.
REQUIRED COURSES (24-26 crs.)
MAT 121 Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint I
MAT 122 Elementary Mathematics from an Advanced Standpoint II
MAT 161 & 163 Calculus and 1 hour lab course (or MAT 126 Calculus)
MAT 162 & 164 Calculus and 1 hour lab course (or MAT 127 Calculus)
*MAT 270 Discrete Mathematics
*MAT 311 Probability and Statistics
*MAT 322W Modern Geometry
*MED 383W Learning and Teaching Problem Solving
ELECTIVES (6 crs.)
Choose two courses:
*MAT 304 Games and Linear Programming
*MAT 306 Problem Solving in Basic
*MAT 325 Probability and Statistics
#*MAT 351 Number Theory
@*MAT 495 Project
@*MAT 499 Independent Study
*MED 307 Use of Teaching Aids in the Teaching of Mathematics
* Upper level courses
# Strongly recommended that all required courses be completed before taking this course
@ Permission of Department Chair required
The Science Concentration consists of 30-33 credit hours chosen as described below. At least 18 credit hours must be at the upper division (300 or 400) level. It is strongly suggested that the student work closely with an advisor in all concentration planning.
REQUIRED COURSES (9-10 crs.)
Complete three of the following courses:
BIO 212 Intro to Organismal Biology and Diversity
OR
BIO 213 Intro to Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
CHE 101 General Chemistry I
OR
CHE 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry I
PHY 107 General Physics I
OR
PHY 111 University Physics I
OR
PHY 104
GES 101 & 103 Introductory Geology with Lab
ONE YEAR SCIENCE SEQUENCE (3-4 crs.)
Complete one of the following courses to complete your one year sequence of science:
BIO 211 Intro to Cell Biology and Genetics
OR
BIO 212 Intro to Organismal Biology and Diversity
OR
BIO 213 Intro to Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
CHE 102 General Chemistry II (CHE 101)
OR
CHE 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry II
PHY 108 General Physics II (PHY 107)
OR
PHY 112 University Physics
OR
PHY 104
GES 131 Intro Astronomy (GES 101 & 103)
OR
GES 111 General Oceanography
OR
GES 223 Environmental Earth Science
OR
GES 224 Geologic Hazards
OR
GES 241 Meteorology
ELECTIVES (18-19 crs.)
Complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in upper division science courses. (Prefix of BIO, CHE, PHY, GES, or SCI). Please note any pre-requisite courses.
Note: The following four courses are especially designed for elementary teachers:
SCI 311 Processes in Physical Science
SCI 312 Processes in Life Science
SCI 313 Processes in Earth Science
SCI 323 Science as Inquiry
Possible Geosciences Elective Selections:
GES 300 Sedimentology (GES 101 and 103)
GES 301 Stratigraphy (GES 101, 103, 300 and co-requisite of 102)
GES 307 Geomorphology (GES 101 or GEG 101)
GES 310 Great Lakes Environmental Issues (J/S status)
GES 314 Geological Oceanography (GES 111)
GES 409 Fluvial Geomorphology (GES 307)
GES 452 Hydrogeology (GES 101 & one 300 level GES)
Possible Biology Elective Selections:
BIO 308 & 309 Human Anatomy & Physiology & Lab (BIO 100 and 212)
BIO 414 Mammology (BIO 212 and 213 and J/S status)
BIO 421 Invertebrate Structure & Function (BIO 212 and 213)
BIO 428 Vertebrate Structure and Function (BIO 212 and 213)
Possible Chemistry Selections:
CHE 300 Medications: Chemicals for your Health (CHE 100, 101, or 111)
CHE 301 Analytical Chemistry (CHE 112)
CHE 312 Chemistry and Criminalistics (CHE 102 or 100, instructor permission)
CHE 315 Environmental Chemistry (CHE 112 or 102, instructor permission)
CHE 321 Principles of Organic Chemistry (CHE 102 or 112)
CHE 322 Biological Chemistry (CHE 321)
Possible Physics Selections:
PHY 323 Statics (PHY 11 and PHY 112)
The Social Studies Concentration consists of 10 courses or a total of 30 credit hours chosen as described below. At least 18 credit hours must be at the upper division (300 or 400) level. It is strongly suggested that the student work closely with an advisor in all concentration planning.
1) REQUIRED COURSES (12 crs.)
ECO 101 The Economic System
GEG 101 Worlds Natural Environment
PSC 102 Introduction to American Government
HIS 106 History of American Life
OR
HIS 107 History of American Life II
(It is highly recommended that extension students take both HIS 106 and HIS 107)
SOCIAL SCIENCE DIVERSITY FOCUS (6 crs.)
Take two courses from the following Social Studies diversity offerings:
ECO 302 Women in the Economy (pre-requisite: ECO 201 or ECO 202)
GEG 309 Introduction to Urban Geography
GEG 359 Arctic Geography from an Inuit Perspective
HIS 302 History of Women in America
HIS 311 History of American Immigration and Emigration
HIS 314 Modern Latin America
HIS 341 African Americans and Civil Rights
HIS 468 Readings in African American History
PSC 316 Urban Ethnic Politics
PSC 335 International Relations of the Middle East
PSC 337 Politics of Globalization
PSC 340 Politics of Developing Countries
SSE 350 Longhouse People
SSE 363 American Identity in Transition
2) ELECTIVES (12 crs.)
Take 12 credits across 3 categories: at least one course in each category must be taken
GEOGRAPHY
GEG 206 Geography of New York State
GEG 300 World Regional Geography
GEG 359 Arctic Geography from an Inuit Perspective
GEG 360 Geography of Asia
GEG 362 Geography of the United States and Canada
GEG 364 Geography of Europe
GEG 425 Computer Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (CIS 101)
GEG 426 Arc New Applications (pre-requisite: CIS 101 or GEG 199)
HISTORY
HIS 302 History of Women in America
HIS 304 Europe from Napoleon to the First World War
HIS 306 History of Africa to 1919
HIS 308 History of Canada
HIS 310 History of the Far East: The Traditional Era
HIS 313 Politics and History in the Middle East
HIS 314 Modern Latin America
HIS 318 History of the Soviet Union
HIS 319 Colonial History of the American People
HIS 321 History of Medieval Europe (HIS 115)
HIS 322 Afro-American History
HIS 324 American Presidents (pre-requisite: HIS 106 or 107)
HIS 330 US Environmental History
HIS 331 American Westward Expansion
HIS 332 American Labor History
HIS 340 History of the Buffalo/Niagara Region
HIS 415W New York State History
POLITICAL SCIENCE
PSC 315 State and Local Government Politics
PSC 316 Urban Ethnic Politics
PSC 318 Democracy and Peace - the Urban Experience
PSC 320 U.S. Constitution and Civil Liberties
PSC 326 Politics and Media
PSC 330 American Foreign Policy
PSC 335 International Relations of the Middle East
PSC 337 Politics of Globalization
PSC 350 Introduction to Legal Thought
PSC 355 American Political Thought
Total 30 credits
The Spanish language concentration consists of 30 credit hours; at least 18 of the credit hours must be at the upper division (300 or 400) level. It is strongly suggested that teacher candidates work closely with an advisor in all concentration planning.
Language courses must be taken in sequence and 300 level language is a pre-requisite for all other courses. Therefore, careful scheduling of courses for this concentration will be necessary. All teacher candidates pursuing this concentration should initially take the CLEP exam to receive credit for prior work and knowledge in Spanish, as well as to determine initial level of coursework. A fee is required for this exam. Information about the exam is available in the Admissions Office and through the Modern and Classical Language Department.
Study abroad is encouraged, especially in summer. More information can be found through the International Education Office. The office also provides alternative placement testing for heritage speakers.
REQUIRED COURSES (18 credits)
SPA 101 Beginning Spanish 1 (may CLEP) - 3 credits
SPA 102 Beginning Spanish II (may CLEP) - 3 credits
SPA 201 Intermediate Spanish I - 3 credits
or
SPA 106/200 SPA 200 Spanish for Education Professionals I - 3 credits
SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish II - 3credits
or
SPA 206 Spanish for Education Professionals II - 3 credits
SPA 301 Introduction to Hispanic Cultures - 3 credits
SPA 302 Introduction to Spanish Media - 3 credits
ELECTIVES (12 credits)
Choose any 300/400 level Spanish courses, by advisement to complete 30 credit hours in the concentration.
Total of 30 hours required
The Urban Education Concentration consists of 10 courses or a total of 31 credit hours chosen as described below. At least 18 credit hours must be at the upper division (300 or 400) level. It is strongly suggested that the student work closely with an advisor in all concentration planning.
REQUIRED COURSES (22 crs)
ANT 101 Understanding Cultures (3 crs)
SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 crs)
SPF 203 School and Society (3 crs)
SOC 351 Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (3 crs) .
PSC 316 Urban Ethnic Politics (3 crs)
SPC 311 Intercultural Communication (3 crs)
SPF/SOC 366 Cultural Proficiency and Public Achievement (4 crs)
ELECTIVES: (9 crs)
Choose one or two courses from the following:
AAS/ENG 240 African American Literature to 1940 (3 crs)
AAS 321 The African American Family (3 crs)
AAS 341 African American and Civil Rights (3 crs)
AAS 469 Black Protest and Leadership in the U.S. in the 21st Century (3 crs)
ANT 307 Urban Anthropology (3 crs)
ANT 315 Research Methods in Cultural Anthropology (3 crs)
ENG 241 African American Literature Since 1940 (3 crs)
ENG 243 Introduction to Latino/a Literature (3 crs)
ENG 354 Ethnic American Minority Literature (3 crs)
GEG 309 Urban Geography (3crs)
Choose one or two courses from the following:
PSC 103 Great Political Issues (3 crs)
PSC 215 Urban Government (3 crs)
PSC 218 African American Political Culture (3 crs)
PSC 316 Urban Ethnic Politics (3 crs)
PSC 318 Democracy and Peace; Principles and Practices in the Urban Experience (3 crs)
MUS 224 Music and Political Action (3 crs.)
SOC 333 Social Movements (3 crs)
SOC 350 Power, Class and Inequality (3 crs)
SWK 319 Dynamics of Poverty (3 crs)