Master of Science Program
Program Code: MS-SP
Major Code: HEA

Higher Education Administration and Adult Education Department
Bacon Hall 214C, (716) 878-3789
hea.buffalostate.edu/

The Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) program is a professional preparation program for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in college and university settings, supporting students in and out of the classroom in functional areas such as academic advising, residence life, student engagement, financial aid, study abroad, and many more.  The HESAA degree is a multifaceted program that blends counseling and student development knowledge with administrative and assessment skills, to prepare professionals to work with an increasingly diverse college population.  The HESAA program prepares professionals who are socially just, authentic, reflective and collaborative, who will transform systems of higher education for greater student success.  The program prepares scholar practitioners who possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to advocate for full and equitable participation of all individuals in post-secondary institutions.

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree but do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be granted provisional acceptance based on the additional requirements.
2. A current resume. Consideration can be given to work-related experience and involvement in the field.
3. Two letters of recommendation, of which at least one must be from a former faculty/instructor who can speak to your academic and classroom performance.
4. A Statement of Purpose which addresses your understanding of and interest in the HESAA program, identifies qualities and characteristics you will contribute as a member of the program, and addresses your academic preparedness for graduate course work. If your GPA falls below the required 3.0 GPA, please address this in your statement of purpose.  Your statement will be evaluated as a writing sample.
5. An interview with HESAA program faculty may be required.

Program Requirements

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Selected under advisement

Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 36 credit hours are needed for degree completion: 27 credit hours of required coursework and 9 hours of electives. Students must complete two supervised practice experiences for credit as part of the curriculum and successfully complete the culminating experience.

Students will:

1. Develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to create inclusive learning environments, while seeking to address and acknowledge issues of oppression, privilege and power.
2. Be able to design an assessment plan, articulate learning and development outcomes, understand the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and select appropriate data collection and management methods.
3. Have fundamental knowledge of theories and principles of fiscal management, strategic planning, supervision, organizational administration, and an understanding of the cultural and political landscape of higher education.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, combining analytical and experiential learning. Graduates will be able to connect information from disparate contexts and perspectives.
5. Develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to demonstrate and maintain integrity in their personal and professional lives.
6. Have a command of the complexity of American higher education and will understand the impact of race, ethnicity, gender, and class on the evolution of higher education.
7. Understand the major theories of student development and learning and be able to apply the theories and frameworks inside and outside the classroom, construct learning outcomes, and design of programs to enhance student affairs and teaching practice.
8. Develop the requisite knowledge, skills and dispositions for advising and supporting groups and individuals through direction, feedback, critique, referral and guidance.
9. Develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions that support digital literacy and the use of digital tools, resources and technologies for the advancement of student learning and success.