Commencement student

Socially Just. Authentic. Reflective. Collaborative.

We develop leaders in higher education and student affairs who are exceptional scholars and practitioners with knowledge, skills, competencies, and an ethic of care needed for sound professional practice.

Graduates In Demand

Our unique graduate programs provide students with more career options and the ability to advance quickly in their chosen field, providing practical training and critical skills for advancement in today’s competitive job market.

Our Reputation

The HESAA Program has been providing graduate degrees since 1970.

Our graduate degrees, certificates, and microcredentials are respected by employers in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

A SUNY degree is recognized for excellence throughout the United States and around the world.

Graduate Assistantships

There are graduate assistantship offerings in various functional areas for students to explore their passions. Multiple opportunities at partnering institutions area available across Western New York for students to broaden their search.

Graduate Assistantships

Danielle Walker

"The best thing about the HESAA program was the in-class discussion which helped put theory into real-life practice. Also, the support from our professors and classmates while job searching and even years after graduation is special. Truly a family that wants to see you succeed!" 

Danielle Walker, ’17 | HESAA Alumna
Hermen Díaz III

HEA Professor Studies How Latino Men Can Thrive in Higher Ed

While Latinos make up the second-largest racial or ethnic group in the United States, Latino males have some of the lowest baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate degree completion rates, said Hermen Díaz III, ’08, who joined the Buffalo State faculty as an assistant professor of higher education administration in fall 2019.

“Basically, half of Latino men who walk onto campus won’t walk across the stage to accept a diploma,” Díaz said. “They are not matriculating at the undergraduate level due to a number of barriers and realities.”

Read the news story.