Learning and Instruction (LAI)

Welcome to the Department of Learning and Instruction. Our Department is devoted to the education of teachers and to the pursuit of research in all areas of learning. We offer graduate degree programs at the master's and doctoral levels as well as certification programs in teacher education.

Degree programs in education allow for a great deal of flexibility. Students choose from classes that focus on their content area, in addition to a wide array of electives. The majority of courses are offered after 4:00 p.m. to accommodate working teachers and professionals.

If you do not yet hold a teaching certificate, one can be earned through a program in cooperation with the Teacher Education Institute (TEI). Student teaching is offered at all levels (early childhood through high school), and in both urban and suburban settings. If you do hold an initial teaching certificate, you can earn professional certification through our master's degree programs.

Those who pursue doctoral degrees in LAI work closely with distinguished faculty who explore current issues in teaching, learning, curriculum, and assessment. Flexibility is also important in these programs, as students pursue a concentration in a content area of choice, along with a variety of research courses.

LAI also provides unparalleled opportunities for hands-on experience and observation through its unique research centers. The Fisher-Price Endowed Early Childhood Research Center (ECRC) and the Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (CLaRI) allow our students to teach while they are learning. Additional opportunities for research are available in a variety of advanced centers and laboratories affiliated with LAI.

Please take some time and read through our website. Once you review those pages that seem relevant to your education and career objectives, I hope you will decide to apply to our Department. Should you have questions concerning study at UB in the LAI department, our faculty and/or staff would be delighted to speak to you. We encourage you to visit our campus and we would be happy to meet you. We wish you the best in your pursuit of a career in education and hope you decide UB is the place for you to prepare for that career.

Sincerely,
Dr. Julie Sarama
LAI Interim Department Chair

Special Programs & Centers

• Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Leading for Diversity
• Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (CLaRI)
• English Language Institute
• Fisher-Price Endowed Early Childhood Research Center (ECRC)
• Gifted Math Program
• MusicPlay