The Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration Accelerated Pathway provides qualified students in bachelor’s degree programs, who have demonstrated the skills and dispositions necessary for success in a graduate program and a career in higher education, an accelerated pathway to earning their M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration.
The Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) accelerated pathway is for selected students currently seeking a bachelor’s degree who are interested in pursuing a professional career in higher education and student affairs. A HESAA degree prepares individuals to work in the professional support areas of a college and university such as residence life, academic advising, study abroad, financial aid, student leadership and engagement and much more. More information on the HESAA degree program can be found on the Higher Education Administration website.
Enrollment in the HESAA accelerated pathway allows candidates to begin the graduate course work for the Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration M.S. program while they complete their bachelor’s degree.
Candidates in the pathway must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA prior to enrollment in the initial graduate courses. For most candidates, this will be at the end of their junior year (sixth semester). Approved candidates in the HESAA accelerated pathway will be able to take up to three graduate courses (9 credits) over the course of their senior year (or last two semesters).
Accelerated pathway students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn a grade of B or better in the graduate courses to remain in the pathway. As students enter their final semester of undergraduate studies, they will be encouraged to complete the formal process for graduate admissions to the HESAA program. The process will include completing the graduate school application and conducting a secondary interview with HEA faculty. Upon formal admission, the graduate credits for graduate courses completed with a minimum grade of B will be applied to the graduate course of study and all the policies and privileges relevant to graduate students will apply.
* Courses will be selected in consultation with the Chair of the Higher Education Administration (HEA) department.
For course descriptions, please visit the HEA website.
Qualified students interested in applying for the accelerated pathway to the HESAA program should:
For more information and admission guidance contact the Higher Education Administration department at (716) 878-4083.
