Consideration for admission into the Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration will be selective and applicants will be expected to have an academic record and informed interest in pursuing the program consistent with Binghamton University's norms for graduate study. For regular admission, a student must have
Admitted students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average the first semester of enrollment and each semester thereafter to continue in the program.
Applications are submitted through the Graduate School at http://www2.binghamton.edu/grad-school/index.html
Application materials required by the Graduate School include:
Submit these materials via instructions at http://www2.binghamton.edu/grad-school/prospective-students/how-to-apply/index.html
Binghamton University uses stanardized test scores as an aid in evaluation of credentials because grade caculations and grading systems vary so much from one institution to another. Your grade point average (GPA) might be lower than that of someone from another institution, yet your GRE scores might indicate that you have as good preparation or even better than someone else. The SAA program does not have requirement minimums. The SAA will accept GMAT scores in lieu of GREs.
GRE (or GMAT) score reports must be sent directly from the testing agency to the Graduate School. Test scores must have been within the last 5 years. The GRE/GMAT school code for Binghamton is: R2535.
If you obtained your bachelor's degree two or more years ago and have been working full-time for two or more years in the student affairs administration sector in the US:
Applicants for whom English is a second language should also submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFEL) scores as part of their admissions application. The use of English, both in terms of understanding spoken and written language in terms of communicating that understanding is a necessary prerequisite for graduate work in the Department of Student Affairs Administration because communication is integral to the profession.
Records of international applicants require special evaluation and, therefore, should be submitted as early as possible. See the Graduate School Application for International Students. International students must also follow all of the above requirements.
Send the following materials directly to the Department of Student Affairs Administration, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000:
Following the submission of admission applications, three SAA faculty members will begin reviewing application materials to determine the applicant's potential for academic success. After reviewing application materials, faculty recommendations are then made and sent to the Graduate School. The ultimate decision to offer admission into the SAA program rests with the Graduate School at Binghamton University. Applicants may also be required to participate in group or individual interviews.
Note:
Applicants should be aware that some states and institutions require background checks before employment. For positions that require professional licensure, states may restrict or deny professional licensure for people with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or actions taken against them by a professional organization. In addition, students admitted to the program are required to satisfactorily complete an internship. For placement into an internship, offices and agencies may require personal information and conduct background checks. Offices and agencies have the right to refuse placements. Students may be required to and so then must obtain malpractice insurance before they are placed in internships with these requirements. The insurance agency requires disclosure of personal information including convictions and may or may not issue insurance coverage. Therefore, while the Department of Student Affairs Administration will work diligently to place students in internships, students admitted into the program are not guaranteed internship placement in an office or agency which is a requirement for graduation.
Although the program has rolling admissions, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the dates below because admission is competitive and course size is capped.
Fall Enrollment – April 15
Spring Enrollment – October 15
Students may be permitted to transfer up to six credit hours of prior graduate-level student affairs-related coursework into the proposed program, but only at the discretion of and with approval by the chair of the program. Consideration will be given for courses taken within the last five years in which a B or higher was earned. Academic credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.
The SAA program currently offers a dual degree opportunity with the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program which allows students to pursue two Master's degree's concurrently. Interested students should contact the department offices of both programs for additional information.
