Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA)

A Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration equips you for a wide range of careers in higher education administration, at public and private colleges and universities. Consider collegiate administration if you enjoy working in the college environment – including residence life, student engagement, academic advising, career counseling, diversity and inclusion, multicultural affairs, admissions, athletics administration, alumni relations, and student success and retention.

Study in this two-year program and you will be prepared to make your mark in today's higher education field. A comprehensive combination of coursework, internships, and independent research provides a well-rounded program covering numerous aspects of higher education from theories of leadership to counseling in student affairs.

The program gives you great flexibility, as you take classes on a full-time or part-time basis and complete two internships for hands-on, professional experience. You can choose to write a final thesis as part of an independent research project or take a comprehensive final exam. You will also be well-prepared to pursue a doctoral degree if desired.

Distinctions

• Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis in a variety of offices at the college offering a tuition waiver as well as invaluable experience in a higher education setting.
• Only higher education program in the country to include attendance to a regional and national student affairs conference as part of its program tuition.
• All required textbooks are included in the program tuition.

Extended Learning Opportunities

HESAA students gain hands-on professional experience through internships and graduate assistantships both at Canisius College and other colleges and universities.

Canisius University is a supportive community of people from all walks of life, engaged in conscientious academic, personal, and spiritual inquiry. Griffs learn how to think more deeply, create more boldly, dare more courageously, and live more compassionately, developing the skills and confidence to take the lead in their chosen field, career, and community.

Who We Are

We take the best in every student – and make it that much greater. We believe that greatness is in everyone, and as each individual flourishes, the world benefits. Our rigorous curriculum, vibrant and inclusive campus environment, and professional and community connections create a transformative educational experience that goes deeper than imparting necessary skills and knowledge. Griffs know how to think and how to lead, making them not only well-positioned to succeed in an ever-changing job market but also well-equipped to change the world.

Canisius at a Glance

• Founded: 1870 in Buffalo, NY
• Affiliation: Jesuit
• Students: 2,492
• Accredited schools and colleges: 3
• Majors, minors, and degree programs: 100+
• Student-faculty ratio: 11:1
• Percent of classes taught by faculty: 100%
• NCAA Division-I teams: 20
• Student-run clubs and organizations: 60+
• Alumni: 50,000+ worldwide

What We Stand For

• We are sensitive to the challenges that the world faces. As a university, we have the power to address injustice by expanding access to our transformative education, advancing equity, and producing new knowledge that advances humanity. And when our students graduate, they go on to meaningfully impact the areas that call out to them.
• Our community is respectful, creative, and tightly knit. Here, we cherish and challenge the individual, making space and providing support for everyone to discover their passions, articulate their purpose and become the greatest version of themselves.
• We are determined to make a difference. We understand that doing things the way that they have always been done only perpetuates the status quo and that there is no progress without action. Motivated by a vision of what could and should be, we move forward fearlessly.
• We see and respect every individual as a whole person. Every Griff, whether they’re a faculty member, staff person, or a student, plays a role in every other Griff’s development. When we lift each other up, we all reach even greater heights.