Higher education is a dynamic field that adapts to meet the needs of students and the workforce while impacting society’s economic, social and technological development. As the landscape of education changes, the stewardship of competent and compassionate leaders is increasingly essential. But what roles exist for aspiring leaders in higher education administration—and how can you become one?
What Is Higher Education Administration?
Higher education administration is the foundation of a well-functioning college or university. Professionals in these roles manage admissions, budgets, personnel, curriculum design and implementation, student assessment, student service positions and research—to name a few. They develop and implement policies that support student learning and success, ensuring decisions align with the institution’s core values and identity. Overall, they help students and faculty thrive.
As such, individuals well-suited for careers in higher education administration have a big-picture vision for helping an office, department or entire institution run efficiently and in alignment with a strategic vision. They are analytical problem solvers and clear communicators with a strong attention to detail, committed to supporting students and faculty.
What Kinds of Roles Exist in Higher Education Administration?
Higher education administration is a broad field with opportunities across nearly every function of a college or university. These roles may be highly specialized or strategic, depending on the institution's size and structure. Below are some key categories of roles commonly found in this space:
- Student affairs: supporting student development, wellness and engagement through services like residential life, student conduct, career services, counseling and health programs
- Enrollment management: overseeing admissions, recruitment, financial aid and retention strategies to ensure institutional goals are met
- Academic affairs: coordinating curriculum design, program assessment, faculty development and instructional technology
- Institutional research and planning: analyzing data to inform strategic decisions and assess institutional effectiveness
- Finance and operations: managing budgets, facilities, compliance and human resources to support the overall infrastructure of the institution
- Alumni relations and development: building relationships with graduates and donors to strengthen institutional support and advancement
These roles often involve working closely with faculty, staff and external stakeholders to ensure both academic and co-curricular initiatives align with student needs and broader workforce trends. If you’re passionate about making systems work better, there’s a role in higher education administration that can align with your interests and strengths.
Enact Change on Campus: Careers in Higher Education Administration
Now that you’ve seen the wide range of departments and functions within higher education administration, you might wonder what specific roles look like day to day—and where a master’s degree can take you.
There are various administrative positions in higher education available for those seeking to effect change at the university level. Below, we’ve highlighted two career stages:
- Roles that graduates often pursue post-graduation.
- Aspirational positions that become accessible with experience and continued professional growth
As a student in the Higher Education Administration master’s program, I built a strong foundation in college student development and understanding the evolving landscape of postsecondary education challenges. Through my graduate assistantship, internships and mentorship opportunities, I gained practical experience advising students, which ultimately led to my current role as associate director of Peabody Career Services. I feel fortunate to serve students, alumni and employers in this role as it allows me to give back to the campus community that shaped my professional path." - Danielle Lewis, M.Ed. ‘18, associate director of Peabody Career Services
Where You Can Start After Graduation
A master’s in higher education administration sets you up for early-career roles that build essential skills and help you establish a place in the field. These positions offer hands-on experience in student services, academic support and institutional operations.
Academic Advisor
Academic advisors guide students through course selection, degree planning and educational challenges. They serve as mentors and advocates, helping students stay on track and maximize their college experience.
How much does an academic advisor make?
- $53,000 to $82,000/year, on average
Admissions Counselor
Admissions counselors support recruitment and outreach efforts. They connect with prospective students, attend college fairs, conduct interviews and represent the institution to diverse audiences.
How much does an admissions counselor make?
- $49,000 to $72,000/year, on average
Program Coordinator
Program coordinators manage logistics and daily operations for academic departments, student programs or university initiatives. They often work on event planning, communications and student engagement.
How much does a program coordinator make?
- $52,000 to $79,000/year, on average
Residence Life Coordinator
Residence life coordinators oversee residence halls and support student development through community-building, conflict resolution and supervision of student staff (like RAs).
How much does a residence life coordinator make?
- $44,000 to $70,000/year, on average
Where Your Career Can Grow with Experience
As you gain on-the-ground experience, you may advance into higher-level leadership roles that influence policy, planning and strategy at the institutional level. While these roles typically require several years of experience, a master’s degree is often a prerequisite.
Director of Career Services
A university career services director plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing a comprehensive career development strategy for students, leading efforts to connect them with internships, job opportunities and essential career resources. Career services directors oversee the planning of career fairs, workshops and networking events, while cultivating relationships with employers and alumni. They also guide the career services team in helping students clarify their career goals and navigate the job search process effectively.
How much does a director of career services make?
- $88,000 to $139,000/year, on average
Director of Admissions
The director of admissions at a university or college oversees the admissions process and student recruitment strategy. This includes marketing and outreach, managing application pipelines and ensuring clear communication with prospective students, their families, high schools and feeder institutions, such as community colleges. At the graduate level, directors collaborate with individual academic departments to align admissions goals with program priorities.
Whether working with undergraduate or graduate populations, the director of admissions plays a key role in shaping each incoming class. They are responsible for meeting enrollment goals, aligning recruitment with institutional values and often contribute to financial aid strategy and scholarship distribution.
How much does a director of admissions make?
- $79,000 to $119,000/year, on average
Project Manager
A project manager takes a strategic and organized approach to overseeing the planning, execution and completion of various initiatives across the institution. They are responsible for managing projects related to academic programs, infrastructure development, student services and institutional goals. Project managers work closely with cross-functional teams, stakeholders and department heads to ensure that projects are aligned with the university’s broader objectives. They oversee timelines, budgets and resource allocation, ensuring that projects stay on time, within scope and on budget.
How much does a project manager make?
- $91,940 to $107,070/year, on average
Instructional Coordinator
An instructional coordinator plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience by overseeing institutional program and policy development, implementation and assessment. They work closely with academic departments, faculty and administrators to ensure programs align with the institution’s mission, goals and standards. Institutional coordinators are responsible for managing curricula, setting teaching benchmarks and integrating new educational technologies to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
How much does an instructional coordinator make?
- $53,000 to $86,000/year, on average
Pursuing Higher Education Administration Jobs
Here are two steps toward following a career in higher education administration:
Make Professional Connections in Higher Education
If you are currently pursuing your bachelor’s degree or have graduated, you can connect with the administrative teams at your college or university. Reach out to individuals in your school’s administration to ask how they got to where they are, what they like about their work and what they find challenging.
Similarly, attend (or even volunteer at) university-sponsored events and get to know the offices hosting them. If you’ve graduated, get to know the alumni office and let them know of your interest in the field.
Get the Right Degree
Ultimately, most high-level jobs in higher education administration require a master’s degree or above.
As you explore graduate programs, consider what areas of higher education most interest you—whether that’s student services, enrollment management, academic advising or beyond. Master's degrees in areas such as higher education administration, college student personnel and student affairs administration each offer distinct focal points and areas of specialization.
Look for programs that combine theoretical coursework with hands-on experience, such as internships or practicum placements. You’ll also want to review whether the curriculum covers topics like policy, budgeting, supervision or assessment, depending on the career path you want to pursue. Programs that provide strong mentorship and connections to professionals in the field can also enhance your readiness for future leadership roles in higher education.
Earn Your Master's in Higher Education Administration at Vanderbilt Peabody College
The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration (M.Ed.) at Vanderbilt Peabody College prepares students for roles in higher education administration, consulting firms, state education agencies or related nonprofits. The leadership skills that graduates of this program carry into their professions enable them to make lasting changes at the institutional level.
The Higher Education Administration program connects students with opportunities to engage with peers, campus leaders, policymakers and others who effect change in higher education. Its two-year, in-person model enables students to explore a range of courses and applied experiences across Nashville and the Southeast’s dynamic and diverse higher-education landscape. The HEA faculty is made up of top-tier scholars and instructors who offer small, hands-on classes and close student mentorship.” - Emily House, program director for the M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration
Through integrated coursework and practicum experiences, students in the Master’s in Higher Education Administration program at Peabody College will explore areas like student affairs and enrollment management. Students also learn about local, state and national policies that impact higher education.
In this 36-credit program designed to fit your timeline, you will take courses firmly grounded in the bodies of theory, research and conceptual understanding that scholars of higher education and other academic disciplines have produced.
Education is an ever-changing landscape, and it needs competent, thoughtful leadership. Follow the link below to learn more about where you fit in this field.
