Learn what it takes to lead in higher education

Stony Brook University’s Higher Education Administration (HEA) master's degree and certificate programs prepare current and aspiring professionals for fulfilling careers in student affairs, academic affairs, and college and university operations.

Our program admits students from across the country (and around the world) who have different educational backgrounds and work experience. To support their needs and priorities, we offer two graduate programs, two format options and a plethora of electives. As an HEA student, you can choose to:

Attend full-time or part-time
Take courses on-campus or online
Pursue a 36-credit master's degree or an 18-credit advanced graduate certificate

Regardless of the format, each course blends theory and practice, providing the foundational knowledge and key insights you can use to enhance your performance in your job or internship.

And if your focus is student affairs, you can feel confident in knowing our comprehensive master's curriculum aligns with the competencies established by ACPA College Student Educators International and NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

If you're ready to join a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to shaping the future of higher education, we look forward to meeting you.

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Master of Arts Degree

Format options for a diverse student body

Online

Ideal for working professionals

Flexible, 100% online program that admits part-time students in the Fall, Spring and Summer.

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On Campus

Created for full-time students

Exclusive cohort program that admits students in the Fall semester only. Student employment assistance is available.

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Academic Quality

Stony Brook University is the #1 public university in New York and one of the top 30 public universities in the country, according to US News and World Report

18-36 Months

Full-time students finish in less than two years. Part-time students can speed their path to earning a degree with frequent, shorter terms

The Power of Choice

Two program formats and a broad range of electives allow students to develop a course of study that supports their unique learning and career objectives

Professional Standards

Our curriculum aligns with NASPA and ACPA competency areas for student affairs educators

About Stony Brook University

New York’s flagship and No. 1 public university is an internationally recognized research institution that is changing the world. Located 60 miles east of Manhattan and accessible by a commuter railroad, SBU is as renowned for its diverse student population and social mobility as it is for its academic excellence.

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Affordable Excellence

As part of the State University of New York system, Stony Brook's graduate tuition is nearly 15% lower than the national average. Our tuition for out-of-state students is comparable to the in-state rates of universities in our region. Additional discounts may be available for out-of-state, fully online students.

Costs and Funding

Higher Education Administration

On-campus and online master's degrees from New York's #1 public university