FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Program Format

• What are the requirements to earn the HEA master’s degree or advanced graduate certificate?

  The Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration (HEA) is a 36-credit program. Each class is 3 credits, so the full degree program is 12 classes. The advanced graduate certificate is an 18-credit program, requiring completion of 6 classes.

• How long will it take to complete the HEA program?

  Most students complete the master’s degree in 2-3 years, but it can be completed in as little as a year and a half by taking classes year-round. Students in the in-person cohort will complete the program in 2 years. Students in the advanced graduate certificate typically complete the program in 1-2 years. Students have up to 5 years to complete the master’s degree and up to 3 years to complete the advanced graduate certificate.

• What amount of work experience is required for the HEA program?

  No work experience in student affairs or higher education is required to attend the HEA program.  Familiarity with higher education and student affairs is helpful in ensuring that HEA applicants have an interest in working as a professional staff member in a college or university setting.

• Can students work while pursuing their HEA degree?

  Yes, many of our online students are working professionals pursuing degrees while continuing to work full-time. Our flexible asynchronous online course format enables you to balance your work and family commitments. If you are working full-time, we recommend that you take no more than 2 HEA classes per semester given the required workload. If you are an in-person student in the 2-year cohort program, you will work with Stony Brook staff to find graduate employment and practicum/internship opportunities to strengthen your experience and competitiveness as a job candidate.

• How many HEA classes should I take each semester?

  If you are in the in-person cohort program, you will take 3 classes (9 credits) each fall and spring semesters for 2 years. For all other students, most will take 1, 2, or 3 classes per semester.  The average is 2 classes per semester. If you are working full-time and enrolled in the 10-week online courses, we recommend taking no more than 2 HEA classes per semester given the required workload.

• What core classes and elective HEA classes are offered?

  The master’s degree includes 6 core classes and 6 elective classes. You will select 6 elective classes from among 15 options which are noted in the Course Descriptions. You have the opportunity to select the elective classes that align with your interests and future career goals.

• What teaching and learning modality options are offered?

  Most of the HEA classes are asynchronous online using Brightspace, our online learning platform. Online classes are offered each fall, spring, and summer semester for 10 weeks. A 3-week intensive winter session is also offered online. Each week covers a different unit and starts on Monday and ends on Sunday.

  In-person classes are offered each fall and spring on Stony Brook’s main campus either Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings, typically from 5:30-8:30 pm, for 14 weeks.

• How do online courses work? What does “asynchronous” mean?

  All of our courses take place within Brightspace, our online learning platform. For online courses, the course format is asynchronous, meaning that the interaction doesn’t happen in real time (like in a Zoom meeting).  Instead, you have the flexibility to choose the times that work best for your schedule to complete the coursework, but also meet the requirements in each course syllabus.  Each week of the course, you will engage with the course material, participate in discussions with your professor and classmates, and submit any assignments.

• Am I required to complete the practicum course?

  If you are enrolled in the in-person cohort program, you will take HEA 586 – Practicum in the spring of your first year and HEA 587 – Advanced Practicum in the fall of your second year.

  For all other programs, the practicum course is not required. HEA 586 is strongly recommended if you do not have part-time or full-time professional experience in higher education since employers seek candidates who have direct, hands-on experience in a college or university setting.

• What’s the minimum GPA required to graduate from the HEA program?

  A 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA is required to graduate from the HEA program.

• What are typical assignments in the HEA program?

  HEA classes include a good degree of reading and writing. The courses are developed around the NASPA and ACPA professional competencies to ensure that each student graduates with the skills needed to be well-prepared for a variety of jobs in higher education and student affairs. Students taking online courses will submit weekly discussion board posts and most classes include several writing assignments. The master’s degree includes a capstone course in which each student completes an in-depth research paper on a higher education topic of interest.

• Who are the Higher Education Administration faculty?

  The HEA faculty are experienced administrators with in-depth knowledge of their subject area and the higher education field. Many have or currently serve in senior leadership roles in higher education and bring real world examples into the classroom discussions. The HEA faculty are diverse, student-centered, approachable, and committed to your success.

  Read Faculty Bios

• How can I get more involved as an HEA student?

  The Higher Education Administration Association (HEAA) is an HEA student-led organization that provides professional development and program opportunities for HEA students, working collaboratively with the HEA faculty. HEAA offers leadership opportunities as an executive board member and serving on various committees.

• Is there help if I run into an issue?

  Your HEA professors are very supportive, student-centered, and available to help if you run into any problems, issues, or concerns while taking their class. In addition, the SPD staff is here to support you through the HEA program. And if you have a technical issue, the Division of Information Technology (DoIt) can provide solutions.

Admissions

• Why should I apply to Stony Brook’s Higher Education Administration (HEA) program?

  Stony Brook’s Higher Education Administration (HEA) program has a rich history of being one of the largest and best higher education programs in the country. Since its launch in 2011, the HEA program has graduated more than 950 proud alumni, most of whom are working in the higher education field. The HEA program includes more than 30 diverse faculty members who have senior level experience in higher education and are committed to student success. The HEA program offers both in-person and flexible online options, including a variety of unique elective course options, to support your needs, interests, and professional goals.

• Is there a particular undergraduate degree major I need to apply to the HEA program?

  No, there is no required undergraduate major to apply to the HEA program. We are looking for students who have a strong interest in working in a college or university setting. The HEA degree program includes a significant amount of reading and writing, so students should be prepared to hone those skills during their studies.

• What amount of work experience is required for the HEA program?

  No work experience in student affairs or higher education is required to attend the HEA program.  Familiarity with higher education and student affairs is helpful in ensuring that HEA applicants have an interest in working as a professional staff member in a college or university setting.

• Is the GRE required?

  No, we don’t believe that one’s ability to do well on a standardized test is a good predictor of success in the HEA program or in the higher education field.

• What documents are required with my HEA application?

  You will need to submit a personal statement, an essay, and a resume to let us know why you think the HEA program will help you achieve your personal and professional goals. You will also need to send your official undergraduate transcript to us showing you have earned your bachelor’s degree (prior to the start of your HEA graduate coursework). You will also need to submit two letters of recommendation.

• I haven't been in contact with my professors for a while. Who should I ask for a recommendation?

  Recommendations can come from a variety of sources, such as a past or current faculty members, past or current supervisors, or a colleague who is currently working in the higher education field.

• What undergraduate GPA is required for HEA admission?

  We generally seek at least a 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA (B average) for admission. We do consider applicants who have a GPA that’s lower than 3.0 and may offer conditional admission, particularly for candidates who already have professional experience in higher education. Conditionally admitted students must achieve a 3.0 GPA after 6 credits of graduate work to continue in the HEA program. Candidates whose academic record may not be reflective of their abilities are encouraged to share more information as part of their personal statement in the application.

• Can I transfer credit toward the HEA program?

  Yes, you can transfer up to 12 graduate credits towards the master’s degree and up to 6 graduate credits towards the advanced graduate certificate as long as they meet the following criteria:

  • The credits earned were not part of another program in which you earned a degree. 
  • You earned a B or better in the course.
  • The credits were earned within the last 5 years.

  All requests must be reviewed and approved by the HEA faculty director.  For more information, review the transfer credit policy.

• I’m an international student. Can I enroll in the HEA program?

  Yes, we welcome international students into the program. We require international students to demonstrate proficiency in English since the coursework is taught in English. An F1 Visa is required for international students who wish to study in-person at Stony Brook.

  HEA Online students are not eligible for visa status due to the remote nature of the program.

• When is the HEA application deadline?

  For the online HEA program, we admit students for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. For the in-person cohort program, we admit students for the fall only.

  Application deadlines for each semester are published on the How To Apply page.

Costs and Payment

• What costs and fees are associated with the HEA program?

  SBU’s program costs are the second-lowest among public research universities in the Northeast.*

  Your tuition is determined by your full-time and part-time status as well as your state of residence.

  View Cost & Aid Details

  *Source: SUNY via IPEDs
• Are financial aid or scholarships available?

  Our students finance their degrees through loans (federal and private),  awards, scholarships, employer reimbursement programs, student employment, veteran’s programs, and time-option payment plans offered through the University.

  While the program does not offer scholarships, the Financial Aid website explains which options are available and their staff of experts can help you identify which options would work best for you. 

  We've collected some useful financial links for part-time graduate students at the website below.

  View Cost & Aid Details

Career Support

• Do you offer job placement assistance?

  Stony Brook University has an award-winning Career Center that supports students and alumni through their job search journey.  They love to keep in touch with alumni as well as students currently enrolled in a program.

• What else can I do to improve my marketability?

  Approach each course as an opportunity to network by making yourself known to your professor and connecting with your fellow classmates.

  Seeking out an internship that aligns with your career goals will also greatly improve your marketability. Our well-connected faculty members can help you get a foot in the door.

  You can also align yourself with a professional association such as NASPA, ACPA or ACHUO to network, access industry-specific job postings, and keep up with current trends in higher education. Most associations have discounted membership fees for students.

  Many HEA graduates have built connections and found opportunities through their project seminar research as well. Start brainstorming what issues you might be able to help solve in the higher education landscape!