About the HESAA M.S.

The Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) program is one of the first professional preparation programs in the field. Established in 1970, the program’s mission has always been about access and opportunity, seeking to train higher education professionals to work with an increasingly diverse student population. We continue to uphold our mission through a curriculum that provides a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing reflective and ethical practitioners who respond with intentionality.

Emily DiMaria

"The HESAA Program engages its students with knowledge and experiences that both challenge and support the individual while working to promote more equitable practices. The program, and all of the people along the way, have changed my life and inspired me to be better every day!"

Emily DiMaria, ’22 | HESAA Alumna

How to Apply

  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 and one must be from a professional who works in student affairs or the field of higher education.  Letters of recommendation should address the following:
    • How long they have known you and in what capacity.
    • Strengths and weaknesses as they relate to your academic preparedness and/or professional skills.
    • Assessment of your ability for professional work within student affairs or higher education.
       
  4. A Statement of Purpose that 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 school 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.

For Fall Admission

  • Rolling admissions, (January 15th is the priority deadline for consideration for participation in GA Interview Days)

For Summer Admission         

  • April 1st

For Spring Admission           

  • October 1st

* The early priority date allows accepted applicants to be fully considered for available Graduate Assistantships within the division of Student Affairs at SUNY Buffalo State.  Graduates Assistantship positions may not be available for later applicants.

Culminating Experience

HESAA students are required to develop, regularly maintain, and orally defend their electronic portfolio before the faculty as a demonstration of their learning in and out of the classroom, and their preparation for professional practice. Students' reflection on their learning, development, and growth is based on the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators as outlined by ACPA and NASPA. Students will also prepare a Professional Praxis Paper (a statement of their beliefs, values, and philosophy of practice as informed through the HESAA curriculum).  

Supervised Practice

HESAA students are required to participate in two distinct supervised practice experiences (Internship, Graduate Assistantships, or professional experience) that allow them to enhance their professional knowledge, competency, and skills in a supervised setting. The goal is for the student to gain exposure to both the breadth and depth of student affairs work as well as to experience a variety of institutional types (i.e. Community College, Private, Public).