ACADEMICS

Frequently Asked Questions

PROGRAM FORMAT

• What are the requirements to earn the master’s degree or advanced graduate certificate in Higher Education Administration (HEA)?

  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.

• 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.