Office of Academic Affairs

Since its establishment in 1870, Canisius University has used the transformative power of education to change the trajectory of families and students. As the sole Jesuit university in Buffalo and part of the world's oldest continuous education system, Canisius University is recognized as a top-tier institution in the United States.

Embracing our Jesuit identity in Western New York, we offer a distinctive blend of liberal arts and professional education. Upholding the Jesuit value of academic excellence, the curriculum challenges students to explore the ethical dimensions of personal and professional life and to critically assess their own values, attitudes, and beliefs.  

At Canisius University, students are encouraged to think deeply, create boldly, act courageously, and live compassionately, thereby gaining the skills and confidence to emerge as leaders in their chosen fields and communities. Our academic programs are rigorous, ambitious, enriching, and deeply meaningful. They form the foundation of our educational philosophy. We aim to challenge you to think independently, strive for excellence, and find a deeper purpose in serving others. A diverse array of over 120 majors, minors, certificates and degree programs, provide our students with a wealth of opportunities.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in undergraduate classes taught by our esteemed faculty members, rather than teaching assistants. Our dedicated and experienced professors impart both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through our comprehensive core curriculum and specialized courses. Faculty design a curriculum that challenges assumptions, encourages exploration, and fosters discernment.

Students gather applicable life, work and research skills through meaningful relationships with faculty and alumni. Extensive connections within the city of Buffalo, the broader New York region, and the world, provide our students access to countless experiential learning opportunities. Our educational approach aims to cultivate enduring qualities such as leadership, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of communication skills, complex problem-solving abilities, cultural awareness, global perspectives, and scientific inquiry. We are dedicated to broadening our students' horizons, meeting their educational needs, and helping them surpass their own expectations.