The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration addresses the unique professional development needs of college and university administrators who seek to advance in their careers through focused graduate-level study. Combining aspects of theory and practice within the dynamic context of American higher education, the curriculum equips practitioners to sharpen their analytical skills and improve decision-making through an interdisciplinary program drawing upon the academic strengths of Stony Brook.

The 30-credit program is open to individuals with at least one year of full-time experience working in a higher education setting. Prospective students who do not have one year of experience may provide verification of current employment (either full-time, part-time, graduate assistant, or internship experience) in a college or university. Students may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.  Courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer terms, and are scheduled either online or in a face-to-face classroom setting during weekday evenings. The program will be available in a fully online format beginning in Fall 2011.

Course of Study

Read all course descriptions or see a listing of just those that are being offered in next term.

Required Courses (12 credits):
CEK 501 Survey of Higher Education Administration
CEK 502 Survey of College Student Development Theory
CEK 503 Leadership in Higher Education
CEK 504 Research and Assessment in Higher Education

Project Seminar (3 credits):
CEK 595 Project Seminar

Specializations (Select five courses, with at least three from one specialization):

Student Affairs Specialization
CEK 520 Advising and Counseling in Higher Education
CEK 521 Diversity and Higher Education
CEK 522 Crisis Management and Prevention in Higher Education
CEK 523 Student Affairs Administration

Higher Education Administration Specialization
CEK 524 Enrollment Management
CEK 530 Legal Issues in Higher Education
CEK 531 Finance Issues in Higher Education
CEK 532 Facilities Management

Additional course selections
CEI 572 Uses and Abuses of Technology
CEI 585 Principles of Adult Learning
CER 506 Leadership, Team Effectiveness, and Communication
CES 511 Human Relations in the Workplace
CEX 520 Ethics in Management
CEX 517 Management Information Systems
CEX 547 Employee Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management

Online Learning

All online courses are conducted via Blackboard. Students who are considering enrolling in the online program should read FAQs before applying.

Higher Education Program Orientation

All new students are required to attend an in-person orientation program, usually offered during a weekday evening or Saturday.  The orientation program includes an overview of curriculum requirements, degree paths, financial aid options, and other important information.  Students will have an opportunity to interact with classmates and gain a full understanding of the program’s goals and expectations.

Timeline for Completion

All program requirements must be completed within five (5) years from the semester date of admission as a matriculated student. When a student is admitted or readmitted to an SPD degree or certificate program, students may petition SPD to have courses that are older than five (5) years, and no older than 10 years, individually evaluated by the appropriate department/faculty to determine if the credits may be applied toward current SPD degree/certificate requirements. Grades in such courses must be "B" or better. (B- grades are ineligible for review.)

Transfer Credits

Students are permitted to transfer up to six (6) credits of outside applicable graduate coursework toward the Higher Education Administration master’s degree.  Based upon faculty evaluation, the coursework may fulfill either required or elective coursework. »Transfer Credit Information (PDF)

Application Information

The program is now accepting new students for the Summer and Fall term. Students who wish to enroll in the fully online program should apply for Fall matriculation. »Application for New Students

Current Stony Brook graduate students may apply to this program by submitting a change of program form and supplemental materials. »Application for Current SB Students

Tuition and Fee Information

Tuition and fee information can be found on the Bursar's website.

Statement of Student Responsibility
Students themselves—whether new, returning, or continuing—are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and adhering to their degree and/or certificate program requirements. (SPD’s Non-matriculating (non-degree) Graduate Students [GSP] are responsible for adhering to the guidelines related to non-matriculated status.) All SPD students are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and complying with University and SPD regulations, policies, and procedures, as described in all official publications, the University website, and the SPD website, including, but not limited to, SPD’s online references, the SPD Student Handbook and SPD Academic Calendar.