Higher Education and Student Affairs, MS

Location(s): Main Campus

The Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs (MS HESA) degree program at Binghamton University prepares graduates for entry- to mid-level management positions in two- and four-year institutions of higher education. It typically takes full-time students two years to complete our program. The MS HESA program is ideally suited for those who wish to pursue positions including academic advising, admissions and enrollment management, career development and placement, financial aid, health services, judicial affairs, leadership development, multicultural affairs, non-traditional and commuter student services, residential life, services for students with disabilities, student activities, and student development and involvement. Graduates of the MS HESA program may also acquire skills that are desirable in organizations outside of academia. The curriculum for the MS HESA degree program was designed to meet the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Professional Preparation Commission Standards and the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) Standards for Master’s Level Student Affairs Professional Preparation Programs.

The MS HESA degree program is grounded in both student development theory and the concept of theory-to-practice-to-theory. Thus, an underlying goal of the program is to prepare professionals who have working knowledge of how student development theory is used in practice and how practice serves to inform future theory development. Graduates will be comfortable discussing research relevant to their selected areas of work within student affairs and feel qualified to contribute to knowledge production at a level appropriate to their experience. A secondary goal of the program is to prepare administrative leaders and personnel who are comfortable working with people of diverse backgrounds in positions that require decision-makers to respond to department/unit situations while taking into consideration how their decisions impact other systems (i.e., departments and/or divisions) within the institution. The MS HESA degree program, coupled with sufficient professional experience, may also serve as the foundation and entry point for persons desiring careers as deans of students and assistant vice presidents for student affairs.

Admission Requirements

Consideration for admission into the MS HESA program is selective and applicants will be expected to have an academic record and informed interest in pursuing the program consistent with Binghamton University’s norms for graduate study. Admission is open to all individuals with a BA or a BS degree from a recognized college or university who meet the admissions requirements of Binghamton University’s Graduate School.

All official Graduate School application materials are available through the Graduate School website. Submit the following materials via instructions on the Graduate School website:

Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
Transcripts from each college or university attended
Two letters of recommendation from instructors or professors who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability for graduate study. Applicants who have been out of college for at least three years may submit current letters of reference from employment supervisors or others affiliated with their employment who can attest to their ability to perform successfully and professionally, and to the likelihood of success in a graduate program
A personal statement that addresses the applicant’s interest in the program, career goals, and current skills and experiences relative to their current or intended career in student affairs
Résumé or CV
Acknowledge the Higher Education and Student Affairs contract (available in the online application)

Following the submission of admission applications, the MS HESA department will begin reviewing application materials to determine the applicant’s potential for academic success. After reviewing application materials, admissions committee recommendations are then made and sent to the Graduate School. The ultimate decision to offer admission into the MSA HESA program rests with the Graduate School at Binghamton University.

International Applicants

International students should review the additional admission requirements for international students on the Graduate Admissions website before submitting an application. International students should also submit proof of English proficiency (such as Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL], International English Language Testing System [IELTS] or PTE Academic scores) as part of their admissions application. See the Graduate Admissions website for details about the admissions requirements - including proof of English proficiency and immigration and financial documentation - for international students. International students must also follow all of the above requirements. Records of international applicants require special evaluation and, therefore, should be submitted as early as possible.

Admission Deadlines

Applications for the fall semester are considered on a rolling basis. It is strongly recommended that prospective students wishing to be considered for a graduate assistantship or other departmental funding submit applications by February 1. Students applying after that date may be eligible for an assistantship or other financial support; however, preference will be given to students who apply by February 1. Although February 1 is the deadline for consideration for departmental funding, the Higher Education and Student Affairs Department will consider applications submitted at any point throughout the year.

Applications for the spring semester are considered on a rolling basis. Although October 15 is the deadline for consideration for departmental funding, the Higher Education and Student Affairs Department will consider applications submitted at any point throughout the year. Note: Funding may be limited or unavailable for spring semesters.

Fast-Track Application Process

The fast-track application option is designed to streamline the application process for applicants who finished/or will finish their bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from an accredited United States institution of higher education. Prospective students who meet this criterion are able to apply to the Higher Education and Student Affairs program simply by submitting their transcripts, a personal statement and resume. No letters of recommendation are required. Individuals who wish to apply to the MS HESA program through the fast-track application process should email hesa@binghamton.edu. Applicants will then receive instructions on how to submit their information through Binghamton University’s Graduate School application portal.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the MS in Higher Education and Student Affairs must complete the required minimum 45 credits of graduate level coursework, which includes:

A. Required Courses (27 credits)

HESA 510 - Introduction to Student Personnel Services
HESA 511 - College Student Development: Theory, Research, and Practice
HESA 512 - Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in Student Affairs
HESA 513 - Organization and Administration of Higher Education
HESA 514 - Law in Higher Education
HESA 522 - Admissions to Alumni Success
HESA 525 - Assessment in Student Affairs
HESA 517 (SAA 517) - Functional Areas in Higher Education and Student Affairs
HESA 590 (SAA 590) - Field Practice in Higher Education and Student Affairs

B. Educational Research Course (3-4 credits)

HESA 515- Research Methods; OR,
PAFF 510 Research Design & Methods

C. Additional Course Requirements

HESA Elective Courses (9 credits)
Application of Learning (3 Credits): HESA 595- Internship (or formal waiver/extra elective)
Demonstration of Competencies (3 Credits): HESA 524 - New Student Affairs Professionals

Academic Advising

Incoming students will be assigned a faculty advisor to assist them in developing a proposed program of study (POS) to use as a guide toward degree completion. New students will be required to attend an orientation session at the beginning of their program and meet with their academic advisor (i.e., in person or via email) at least once each semester, before registering for the subsequent semester’s coursework. In the event it becomes necessary, the department chair will substitute as the faculty advisor for a student until another advisor is assigned.

Electronic Portfolio Requirement

The electronic portfolio course (HESA 524 New Student Affairs Professionals) is the capstone experience for the MS HESA program. It is designed to assess the student’s comprehension of knowledge and skills gained from their courses in the program and also serve as a reflection of the learning that has taken place within the program. Revisions to the electronic portfolio may be necessary before it is accepted. Students will be eligible to complete the electronic portfolio only after completing at least five required HESA courses. Students are required to earn a B or better in HESA 524.

Internship Experience Requirement

Internships provide new professionals an opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience under the leadership of an experienced practitioner. Through working in higher education and student affairs units, students learn how to apply the theory and concepts they are learning in the classroom to real life situations. They also gain a better sense of their particular areas of interest within higher education and student affairs and have a chance to develop the skills they will need to be successful in the field. Therefore, all students are required to participate in at least one internship experience while enrolled in the program. However, it is recognized that some students in the program will be experienced professionals enrolled in order to gain advanced academic credentials and/or training for upward mobility. Therefore, students who have professional experience in the field of higher education and student affairs (i.e., 3 to 5 years) may be exempt from having to complete the internship experience at the discretion of the faculty advisor. Students will be required to replace the internship credits by taking an additional 3-credit elective course in the major areas of study as a replacement. Because the internship experience is designed to expand the student’s current knowledge of theory and practice, students will not be permitted to work in an assignment where they have previous work experience or currently serve as a graduate assistant.

Students will be permitted to register for the internship experience only after they have fully matriculated into the program, completed at least 12 credits in the program, are in good academic standing and submitted a completed internship Memorandum of Understanding with signatures indicating approval by the site supervisor where they intend to work and the director of internship placement.

The internship format options are as follows:

Full-time [1] (10-12 hrs/wk) for one academic semester (spring or fall) (minimum 13 weeks)
Half-time [2] (5-6 hrs/wk) for the full academic year (26 weeks)
Half-time for one academic semester of (spring or fall) plus 70 hours in summer semester
Summer internship - 140 hours
[1] Full-time = 10-12 hrs/wk for 13 weeks = 140
[2] Half-time = 5-6 hrs/wk for 26 weeks = 140
Half-time for one academic semester plus 70 hours in summer = 140 hours

Additional Information About the Program

MS HESA students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 and must receive a B or higher grade in all required courses to graduate. A grade of “C” in any three courses or a grade of “F” in any course will result in AUTOMATIC dismissal from the MS HESA program

Applicants should be aware that some states and institutions require background checks before employment. For positions that require professional licensure, states may restrict or deny professional licensure for people with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions or actions taken against them by a professional organization. In addition, students admitted to the program are required to satisfactorily complete an internship. For placement into an internship, offices and agencies may require personal information and conduct background checks. Offices and agencies have the right to refuse placements. Students may be required to have, and so then must obtain, malpractice insurance before they are placed in internships with these requirements. The insurance agency requires disclosure of personal information including convictions and may or may not issue insurance coverage. Therefore, while the Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs will work diligently to place students in internships, students admitted into the program are not guaranteed internship placement in an office or agency, which is a requirement for graduation. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact the department chair.

Transfer Credit

Students may be permitted to transfer up to 12-credit hours of prior graduate-level student affairs-related coursework into the proposed program, but only at the discretion of and with approval by the chair of the program. Consideration will be given for courses taken within the last five years in which a B or higher was earned. Academic credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience. See the Transfer of Graduate Credits policy in the Graduate School Manual.

For more information on the Higher Education and Student Affairs MS program, please refer to the Higher Education and Student Affairs website. To apply to the Higher Educationa and Student Affairs MS program, please visit the University Admissions website.