Graduate Studies

The NYS Masters in Education Teaching Incentive Program helps cover tuition costs for full-time students pursuing a master’s degree at Buffalo State leading to teacher certification in public elementary or secondary education.

To receive the Scholarship, you must meet the following residency requirements:

• You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• You are a legal resident of New York State and have resided in New York State for 12 continuous months.
• There are no income limits.

Please also consider the post-grad requirements:

• Recipients must agree to teach full-time for five years, regardless of the number or amount of award payments received, in a classroom at a public elementary or secondary school, including charter schools, located in NY state.
• Teaching must commence within two years of completion of your graduate degree program.

If you fail to fulfill your service obligation as outlined in the Scholarship Contract, all award payments made on your behalf will convert to a 10-year student loan plus interest.

Applications are due by May 16, 2025
 

Graduate assistantships are available through various academic and administrative departments on campus. Duties vary according to position, but traditionally consist of non-teaching functions such as grading papers, monitoring exams, assisting in administrative assignments, or participating in research projects.

Current Assistantships

The search contact can provide information about required qualifications, the application process, and awards.

Search for current graduate assistantships

Awards

Awards may include an in-state tuition scholarship (up to 9 credit hours per fall and spring semesters), a stipend, a meal plan, and housing. Assignments range from 10 to 20 hours per week and may provide stipends from $2,500 to $6,000 per academic year. Stipends and/or tuition scholarships cover in-state tuition only; it is the student's responsibility to pay and additional costs and all university fees and are subject to the university's financial liability schedule.

Graduate assistants must complete a Tuition Scholarship Award Application for each semester funding is sought.

Eligibility

Applicants must be accepted into a graduate program as a matriculated student. There is usually an application process for each assistantship position. Check with the department offering the position to determine the process and requirements.

Additional Employment Opportunities

• Research Foundation for the State of New York.  

The Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program (GDFP) is designed to direct aid to graduate students who have demonstrated academic achievement and overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates will contribute to the diversity of the student body by demonstrating their commitment to facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and activities.

Eligibility

Applicants must have earned, by the time of enrollment, a baccalaureate degree granted by an accredited U.S. College or university, or an international university of recognized standing.

Accepted and registered as a matriculated in a graduate (master's degree) student.

Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status.

Demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education.

Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. 

Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility.

Preference will be given to candidates who are from a low-income background (e.g., Pell-eligible as undergraduates), were first-generation college students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree), have overcome adversity, are AmeriCorps alumni, or are veterans.

The Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program is open to all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.

Awards

Students who are awarded a SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship for the 2025 – 2026 academic year may receive a tuition scholarship and/or a stipend during their continuous registration as a master's degree candidate.

Up to twelve (12) graduate credit hours of tuition may be funded each fall and spring semester for the 2025-2026 school year. The tuition amount will be adjusted for in-state tuition rates. It is the student's responsibility to pay all university fees. 

Applying for other financial aid programs that may be available to them through other sources. This allows the university to maximize funds available under the fellowship program.

Fellows must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA each semester to receive funding.

How to Apply

Complete the online Fellowship Application.  

In 600 words or less, submit a response to the following prompt: “Please describe how you’ve engaged, facilitated, and/or enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts during the last academic year. Examples could include personal, academic, and/or work experience and may include, but is not limited to, student’s direct experience contribute to enhancing diversity efforts in their academic programs or campus communities; experiences overcoming economic, social, educational disadvantages, and/or other barriers.” 

Confirm receipt of your online application and essay to the online portal by the appropriate application deadline.

Application Deadlines
Fall semester: July 1
Spring semester: November 1

GSA Funding

Buffalo State graduate students can apply for funding to present academic papers, travel to conferences for particular purposes, or conduct research. 

Students must document their participation and request funding through their department chair and academic dean. As funding for the full amount needed for travel may not be available, students should be prepared to fund part of their trip themselves.  

Buffalo State encourages students to seek funding assistance through the Graduate Student Association.  The GSA requires that requests involving travel must be made at least six weeks prior to the trip.