Higher Education and Student Affairs, EdM

Launch your career in higher education. Gain the skills to support student success, explore diverse professional opportunities, and benefit from hands-on experiences, expert faculty, and a robust network of institutions dedicated to advancing student learning and development.

Two students engaging in a lesson with a faculty member.

Empower Student Success

Our master's degree in higher education and student affairs offers a blend of coursework, practical experience and personalized mentorship to prepare you for a rewarding career. With a focus on student development, diversity and hands-on experience, our program prepares you to meet the needs of today’s diverse student population at both two- and four-year institutions.

See All Program Requirements

Learn About the Department

Attend an Information Session

Apply Now

30 Under 30 Class of 2022

Carl Lam, EdM ’16, was recognized as one of Buffalo Business First’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2022 honorees. Every year, the list celebrates young professionals positively impacting their industries and communities.

While he was initially surprised by the recognition, he acknowledges that his commitment to giving back to the Buffalo community likely led to his name appearing on the list. “It’s less about me and more about the city,” said Lam. “This is my hometown.”

Points of Distinction

Higher Ed student presenting their thesis.

You’ll gain valuable exposure to key professional organizations and current issues in higher education through conferences, industry journals and guest speakers. These opportunities provide you with the latest insights, trends and networking connections, ensuring you stay at the forefront of the field.

Student volunteer meeting and discussing with other UB students in a classroom.

Through assistantships, internships and professional work settings, you'll have the opportunity to put classroom theories into practice. These hands-on experiences allow you to develop your skills, gain valuable insights and refine your approach to addressing the challenges faced in higher education.

Secure meaningful opportunities through our network of colleges and universities across Western New York, offering opportunities for assistantships, internships and employment. These partnerships allow students to gain hands-on experience, build professional connections and develop a competitive edge.

Program Overview

Academic credential granted	Master of Education (EdM)
Credits required for completion	42
Time to completion	4 full-time semesters (part-time option available)
Course delivery	On campus
Supervised professional experience	300 hours minimum
Application deadline	Fall admission only Jan. 1, then rolling until Aug. 10 Jan. 1 is the priority deadline for assistantship consideration

Overview Full Time Part Time

Full Time

Semester 1 (10 credits)

ELP 501 Higher Education in the United States
ELP 509 American College Student
ELP 516 Introduction to Student Affairs Administration
ELP 522 Introduction to Professional Practice (1 credit)

Semester 2 (10–13 credits)

ELP 505 Organization and Governance
ELP 513 Cultural Diversity in Higher Education
ELP 514 College Student Development Theory
ELP 522 Introduction to Professional Practice (1 credit)
Elective 1 — taken in either semester 2 or semester 3

Semester 3 (10–13 credits)

ELP 520 Counseling for Student Affairs
ELP 522 Introduction to Professional Practice (1 credit)
ELP 697 Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs
select one:
CEP 532 Research Methods
ELP 526 Program Evaluation and Assessment
Elective 1 — taken in either semester 2 or semester 3

Semester 4 (9 credits)

ELP 507 Financing Higher Education
ELP 523 Capstone Seminar
Elective 2

Elective Courses (6 credits)

You will complete 6 credits of elective courses. We encourage you to select courses, in consultation with your advisor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, that will advance your learning and align with your professional goals. One elective may be fulfilled by a supervised internship experience.

Assistantships are available in a variety of areas that change from year to year. Compensation for positions ranges from hourly pay only to a stipend to in-state tuition remission plus a stipend. Generally, assistantships require 20 hours of work per week. Accepted students will complete a preference form to interview for positions, based on availability.

For students applying for fall 2024 admissions consideration, there will be both in-person and virtual interview options, along with an in-person Open House. In addition to interviewing for positions, prospective students will have an opportunity to learn more about UB and the higher education and student affairs program, network with current and accepted students, and meet program faculty. This event will be held on March 8, 2024.

A sampling of offices and positions that have historically participated in our interview and selection process include:

Residence Life/Campus Living
Study Abroad Programs
Student Unions
Career Design Center
Undergraduate Admissions
Student Engagement - Pride and Traditions
Student Engagement - Leadership and Greek Life
Office of Academic Integrity
Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program
Student Conduct and Advocacy
Orientation, Parent & Transition Programs
Alumni Engagement
School of Social Work Office of Student Services
School of Social Work Office of Admissions

While assistantships are limited, new opportunities also become available throughout summer and into the fall semester.

You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

Submit your completed online application, which includes:

Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
Three references (2 academic, 1 professional) who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
Resume
Statement of educational and career goals:
1. What qualities, characteristics and skills do you possess that make you a strong candidate for the higher education and student affairs program?
2. How does this relate to your personal and career goals?

Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.

Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

In-State Residency Tuition

In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.

If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.

International Applicant Additional Requirements

Official original proof of your degree
A copy of your passport biographical page
Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Test, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic, or DET (Duolingo English Test).
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 79 for internet-based test
- IELTS Academic Test minimum score is 6.5 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- DET minimum score is 120 overall
Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
An official bank statement

All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.

Our graduates go on to find careers in areas within academic and student affairs including: