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I went back to University for a second degree which was the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Elementary Education. The advisors do think a lot about what they want to offer and prep you with before you enter it. It was a really terrific value for the money because of the variety of Instructors and Lecturers. I think I became a much more critical reader and analyzer of information within my field of Education than if I had to take it elsewhere, where you are likely a number. I studied one subject... Read More connecting two very different subjects as recommended by Dr. Briscoe. That actually set me apart when I interviewed a few years later. Some of the Teachers were really amazing because they expect you to discuss and share what is really going on in the field in real time- this is not easy and only the types of students that apply themselves bring something back to the group to share. I really loved the support I got with writing, counselling and professional advice. It actually helped me present myself the best way to get hired where I wanted. What I just wish Niagara could do better at is get on board with better technology. We had a system get hacked one time and our faculty could not get in touch with us for a really long time. It was brutal. Some of the other issues included having to come up with a complicated passcode for our accounts so that we would not be hacked again. Maybe they could rethink how they prioritize the technology and the skills students should think about earlier ahead of time. I had to ask a lot of tech questions before I realized faculty think it is not that big of a deal until they have to go through the headaches of being locked out too. I would still recommend this program based on the variety of courses and Instructors, as long as you are up for putting in work before getting compensation.

Niagara University's graduate program provided small class sizes with easy access to the professors. I was able to get to know the professors and students and had ample help when needed. The drawback to attending a small school with a small graduate program is the lack of networking opportunities. Sadly, after graduation I was unable to find work for almost 9 months and majority of the students I graduated with had similar issues or didn't get jobs in the field. If there was more help assisting graduate... Read More students find work in the field I would have given all the ratings 5 out of 5 stars.

I graduated from Niagara University with a B.S. in biology, a coordinate in environmental studies, and a minor in mathematics, and I love any opportunity to promote this university as I feel I had a remarkable experience in my undergraduate career. In my opinion, what sets Niagara apart is the individual attention that the faculty gives to each student. If you choose to attend Niagara, you will have the opportunity to get to know your advisor from the very first semester. This person will not only... Read More help you choose the right courses, but he or she will also help to set you up for whichever career you’re interested in. They will know not only "what" you want to be when you graduate, but also "who" you want to be. They will know you, not only as a student, but also as a person, and in my opinion, that subtle distinction makes all the difference. My college experience was exceptional because of the courses, the clubs, and the friends, but my college experience was uniquely exceptional because my professors cared about my success.

I have attended Niagara University for now my 3rd degree. I went for undergraduate in Elementary Education 1-6 and Special Education 1-6. I then went back for my Literacy Instruction degree for my first Master's program and now I am currently enrolled in the Building Level Leadership administration degree. I am thankful for all of the knowledge and insight that their teacher preparation program has offered me. Firstly, stating that you have obtained your degree from Niagara as an educator is looking... Read More upon highly, especially in our area. It is a rigorous program and strong and successful educators have come out of their college of education. Also, while expensive, they do offer substantial scholarships and financial aid, and the staff is helpful in ensuring that you can get all the help possible financially. There is also multiple opportunities for study abroad programs, while I haven't personally participated, I have many friends and family members that have and I know they considered these experiences highly beneficial and would recommend them to anyone. While being a Catholic school, I myself don't really have much of a religious affiliation. I know people are often concerned about this, especially with the religion requirement of courses. I actually did a study of all religions and found it to be one of my most interesting courses that I took that was outside of my education curriculum requirements.

While Niagara University was beautiful and the professors were good, I have found that, in general, my degree has not helped me meet success in job hunting; furthermore, private college's ballooning attendance costs do not merit the loans you will take out to attend. I think, in the long run, you are better off attending community college as cheaply as possible, completing a bachelor's degree as inexpensively as possible, and getting into a field that is searching for workers. All college programs... Read More should include coding--if they don't, teach yourself. Take that money you would have spent on tuition and take out a small business loan for an online start-up or kickstarter. Write a book. Do things you can talk about in interviews. Network, network, network. My generation got scammed into overpriced educations. Don't follow in our mistakes.

Niagara University strives to produce the most well-rounded, educated students. As a biochemistry major, I was able to take many classes not in my field of study in order to enhance my overall knowledge. This allowed me to see connections that my major had to the rest of the world. Not only do they have a phenomenal liberal arts educational program, the instructors hired are outstanding. Their knowledge and willingness to help their students was something like I have never experienced. These professors... Read More also push you to gain as much knowledge in the four short years you are there as possible. As a biochemistry major you are faced with not one science class and lab per semester, but many. This was frustrating at times but it forced me to grow and push myself into becoming the best in my field.

Niagara University has helped me grow as a person, in more than just an intellectual manner. The student support and knowledge that is offered, as well as the career service system, is really what makes me appreciate the experience I've had. This is why I have chosen to continue my education at this school after 4 great undergraduate years. Pros: Amazing staff support; networking possibilities that will assist with future careers; club / sport potential; travel opportunities; small class sizes to... Read More ensure a personal relationship with professors and classmates; night/weekend classes to help those working full time an opportunity to attend Cons: Lack of diversity; quite expensive and lack of financial support for low-income families; Commuting expenses not recognized by financial aid facilities

Over the past few semesters, I have learned a ton of information relevant to my future career, and feel like Niagara University is excelling at preparing me to be a school counselor. However, I do wish the technology in the library and computer labs were more up-to-date, as it takes me longer to actually log into the computer than it does to print multiple documents. While some of my professors (mostly the adjuncts) are not the best instructors, overall I am happy with the instruction I have received... Read More thus far.