Canisius College

Updated August 6, 2020

Canisius College was founded in 1870 by German Jesuits. It was named for St. Peter Cansius, a Dutch educator and an original member of the Society of Jesus. The population of the area surrounding the school had a large German immigrant population, but there were very few German-speaking priests. The Most Reverend John Timon, CM, the first Bishop of Buffalo, wanted to create a college for young men who later planned to enter the priesthood.

Initially, the school taught German Progymnasium, a course that required six-years of classical study that permitted students to be admitted to the study of law, medicine or divinity. However, the school understood that a background in business would also be critical to the success of the immigrants who lived in the area, so a business curriculum was included from the beginning. The school accepted students starting at age 13 and most of them graduated at the age of 19 or 20, but without a degree. Progymnasium instruction was supposed to be in Latin, but the faculty spoke mostly German and students spoke German or English they learned on the streets.

For two years, the school struggled, but in 1872, they moved from a two-story brick building to a more spacious building that adjoined St. Michael's parish church. The school received a charter in 1883 and the school was authorized to award a Regents Diploma in 1897. Interestingly, the college did not have the required $130,000 endowment necessary for the charter, but an exception was granted when the school argued that the priests gave their lives wholly to the institution without compensation. To them, this constituted an endowment worth more than $130,000. The college moved to its present location in 1912.

The original business program was dropped when it did not meet the philosophy of the school and the curriculum focused on classical education. In 1920, the school added a Bachelor of Science degree designed for students who wished to gain more experience in technology, medicine and industrial areas. Latin and Greek requirements were eliminated for those programs.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the need for education of religious women grew rapidly. Canisius became the normal school of the Diocese of Buffalo, the forerunner to today's School of Education. In 1961, women were admitted to the day session for the business school and, in 1965, the college became coeducational for all departments.

Today, Canisius is ranked eighth in Best Value Schools by US News & World Report and 23rd in regional universities in the North. It is ranked 11th by Newsmax among traditional Catholic and Jesuit Colleges in the country. It is also ranked fourth among online colleges according to the Community for Accredited Online Schools.

Canisius College Accreditation Details

Canisius College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commisison on Higher Education. Regional accreditation indicates that the school prepares students for leadership roles in the program they have chosen to enter. It also lets parents and employers know that graduates are well-prepared for jobs in their industry. In addition to regional accreditation, Canisius College programs are accredited by the following organizations:

American Chemistry Society
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Council on Education of the Deaf

Canisius College Application Requirements

Students who have not earned college credit after high school graduation are considered freshmen. They must submit an application and a personal essay of at least 250 words. A school counselor recommendation is also required. Official transcripts as well as official SAT or ACT scores must be submitted. Students may also submit teacher recommendations and information on extracurricular activities, although it is not required.

Students who have earned more than 24 credits after high school graduation are considered transfer students. The must provide a completed application and a personal essay of at least 250 words. A transfer recommendation form is also required. Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as official SAT or ACT scores. Students who have not earned 24 credits after graduation must also submit official high school transcripts.

In order to apply for graduate studies, students must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. Students must provide an official transcript that indicates the conferring of a degree. Students must provide two letters of recommendation as well as official GRE or GMAT scores. There may be other admission requirements depending on the program so students are encouraged to talk to an admissions counselor before applying.

Canisius College Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition is $34,966 per year while part-time tuition is $999 per credit hour. Graduate tuition is as follows:

School of Education & Human Services; College of Arts & Sciences; Wehle School of Business, Office of Professional Studies - $819 per credit hour
Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration Program - $979 per credit hour
One Year MBA Program - $40,668 per year

Financial Aid is available and 98 percent of students attending Canisius receive some type of assistance to attend college. The average financial aid package is $30,000 and the college awards an average of $94 million in financial aid for incoming freshmen. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs.

Canisius College Degree Program(s) Available

Master of Science Applied Nutrition

The Master of Science in Applied Nutrition at Canisius College emphasizes the role diet plays in health, including the application of nutrition to the treatment and prevention of disease. Students can choose from either the Obesity and Eating Disorders or the Fitness and Sports Nutrition tracks. Both programs are offered completely online. Students must conduct research designed to enhance their career. Students learn how to conduct research on diet and evaluate nutritional programs. In addition, students gain a strong theoretical knowledge of health and nutrition. Students are prepared for management positions in a wide range of industries. The program can be completed in as little as one year. The program does not qualify students for Registered Dietitian status nor does it qualify students to sit for the Registered Dietitian licensing examination.

Canisius College offers a wide range of programs all taught with the Catholic faith in mind. Students not only gain an understanding of their chosen profession but also grow closer to their faith. Canisius College offers many degree programs in an online format so that working adults are able to achieve their educational goals.