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Higher Education and Student Affairs, EdM
Our master's program in higher education and student affairs is for you if you wish to pursue a career in higher education working directly with college students in student affairs, academic affairs, enrollment management, or related units. Our program focuses on providing you with the skills needed to help two- and four-year institutions meet the learning and development needs of all students and to personalize the college campus. Our program is designed to meet the guidelines developed by the Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education criteria for master's programs. The guidelines emphasize student development, multicultural issues and practical experience.
Why Higher Education and Student Affairs at UB?
The features of our program include:
- exposure to relevant professional organizations and issues through conferences, journals and speakers
- practical experience in assistantships, internships or professional work settings that provide opportunities to practice, apply and discuss the real-life application of theories learned in the classroom
- nationally recognized faculty based on scholarship and research, leadership in professional organizations, and significant awards
- a strong relationship with the UB Division of Student Life, which has historically supported our students and graduates
- a well-established network of colleges and universities in the Western New York area that provide opportunities for assistantships, internships and employment upon graduation
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 |
| Careers | Areas within academic and student affairs including:
|
| 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 |
In the News
Part Time
Semester 1 (4 credits)
- ELP 501 Higher Education in the United States
- ELP 522 Introduction to Professional Practice (1 credit)
Semester 2 (4 credits)
- ELP 513 Cultural Diversity in Higher Education
- ELP 522 Introduction to Professional Practice (1 credit)
Semester 3 (3 or 6 credits)
Summer 1
- Elective 1
- Research Methods — taken in either summer 1 or summer 2
Semester 4 (7 credits)
- ELP 516 Introduction to Student Affairs Administration
- ELP 697 Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs
- ELP 522 Introduction to Professional Practice (1 credit)
Semester 5 (6 credits)
- ELP 505 Organization and Governance
- ELP 514 College Student Development Theory
Semester 6 (3 or 6 credits)
Summer 2
- Elective 2
- Research Methods — taken in either summer 1 or summer 2
Semester 7 (6 credits)
- ELP 509 American College Student
- ELP 520 Counseling for Student Affairs
Semester 8 (6 credits)
- ELP 507 Financing Higher Education
- ELP 523 Capstone Seminar
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.
Questions about the program?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions About the Admission Process?
Office of Graduate Admission
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu