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HEA Admissions

Master of Arts and Advanced Graduate Certificate

Stony Brook University's Higher Education Administration program admits all students who have the talent and dedication necessary to become leaders. 

Our HEA Admissions Committee welcomes applications from emerging and established professionals, as well as new graduates. HEA does not require standardized tests or specific undergraduate preparation for admission. Instead, by performing a holistic review of all submitted materials, the Committee develops a deeper understanding of each applicant's unique qualities, aspirations and potential to succeed. This process culiminates in an admitted student cohort that brings together people with diverse experiences and backgrounds who will enrich our community and advance our field.

We look forward to learning about you.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Admissions Criteria

Admission is open to all qualified applicants, regardless of undergraduate major. The following criteria are required for admissions consideration, for both full and part-time applicants:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university or a foreign equivalent. This degree can be in any subject.
  • A minimum 3.0 grade point average in prior academic work. In exceptional cases, a GPA below 3.0 will be considered for "conditional admission" to the School of Professional Development. The committee considers the rigor and GPA trend of prior coursework, any post-undergraduate coursework, years of experience in higher education, quality of writing of the personal statement and essay, and strength of the letters of recommendation.  Conditionally admitted students must achieve a 3.0 GPA after 6 credits of graduate work to continue in the program. 
Additional Criteria

For applicants whose undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English:
English language proficiency. Refer to Application Requirements for details. 

For international students:
F1 Visa. Required only for those international students who have been accepted into the program. 

Start Your Application

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit the following through our online application system by the deadline dates listed below for priority review. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Information Session

Going to graduate school is a big commitment, so make sure you're fully informed. Attend one of our information sessions to meet the program and admissions directors and learn more about our program options, online learning, campus job opportunities, the admissions process and more.

 

View Dates and Sign Up
 

Application Deadlines  

While we will always accept and review applications, those submitted by the dates listed at right will be granted review for the corresponding term. Completed application packages received after this date will be accommodated as space permits.

If  an applicant's package is missing materials and cannot be reviewed for the selected term, the application will be held for processing for the next admissions cycle.

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Flex Online Program

100% online or mix of online & in-person classes

Summer: May 1

Fall: July 15

Spring: December 1

Cohort Program

Full-time on-campus program (Fall admission only)

Fall: June 1

Have More Questions?

We are happy to help!  You can chat with our live representatives for quick questions during our extended business hours, read through the School of Professional Development's frequently asked admissions questions for deeper dives, or email an HEA advisor with specific questions about your application.