The masters of education in higher education in student affairs (HESA) at Salem State University is the only program of its kind offered at a public institution in the Boston metropolitan area. The program is designed for people who plan to pursue a career working in a college/university setting in the area of student affairs, a profession focused on promoting college student success and learning outside of the classroom. HESA graduates work in a variety of student affairs administrative areas, including admissions, financial aid, academic advising, multicultural affairs, residence life, student activities and more. The General Cohort requires students to attend up to three evening classes per week on campus. The majority of the courses are offered in the traditional classroom format with a few hybrid/online courses.