Higher education is a field that’s constantly adapting. The global pandemic impacted college enrollment, and students are still feeling the financial burden of today’s economy. However, a degree remains important for securing a career. Research indicates that the future earnings and general well-being of college graduates tend to be significantly higher.
Amid the challenges of today’s education landscape, it’s more important than ever for schools to be stewarded by competent, compassionate leaders.
But what do leaders in higher education administration really do, and how do you become one?
Higher education administration is the foundation for a well-functioning college or university. A variety of professionals in these jobs manage admissions, budgets, personnel, curriculum design and implementation, student assessment, student service positions and research—to name a few. They create and implement policies that promote equity, learning and student success. As administrators, they make decisions that align with the institution’s values and identity. Overall, they help students and faculty thrive.
As such, individuals well-suited for a career in higher education administration have a big-picture vision for helping an office, department or entire institution to run smoothly, as well as attention to detail in their administrative duties. They are analytical problem-solvers and clear communicators, remaining kind, approachable and open to hearing about what their offices can be doing to better support students and faculty.
Higher education leaders inform everything from academic requirements to university budgets. Not only must a school’s administration ensure that the institution is compliant with any relevant laws, but it shapes the very culture of the school by what procedures or rules it chooses to implement. For example, how it treats the admissions process or how it responds to plagiarism.
Another responsibility of an institution’s administration is supporting and overseeing faculty. For example, what technological resources might they need in the classroom?
Finances are another important facet of higher education leadership. Some administrative roles focus on soliciting grants and donations to bolster the university budget. Others decide how best to allocate funds to meet the needs of various offices and programs. Still, other roles handle scholarships and financial aid.
Higher education professionals may also focus on developing programs and degrees in conjunction with college staff. Individuals in such roles must consider what courses and skills will best serve students after graduation, as well as keep a close watch on how different industries are developing or changing. Their work to develop effective, forward-thinking programs has the power to establish the institution as a leader in a particular field of study.
What career pathways do individuals in higher education administration pursue?
The dean of students at a university or college works with all aspects of student life. They oversee multiple departments, offices, and staff. Their work involves areas such as student housing and residential life, student accountability and conduct, student organizations, greek life and student government and student success and retention.
Average salary range: $91-$131K
Education requirements: Master’s degree or higher, typically a terminal degree. A role like this is aspirational but not common directly out of graduate school.
The director of admissions oversees the admissions process and student recruitment. This includes marketing and public relations, as well as communicating with high schools and community colleges. The director of admissions aims to admit an optimal number and quality of students that both reflect the university's values and hit budget targets. They are also heavily involved in financial aid.
Average salary range:$62-89K
Education requirements: Master’s degree or higher
A project manager takes a strategic approach to completing and delegating projects. They help institutions reach their goals, be it academic, infrastructure or related to student services. Project managers help initiatives stay on budget.
Average salary range: $95-159K
Education requirements: Master’s degree or higher
An instructional coordinator focuses on student learning. Their responsibilities include developing and managing program curricula and teaching standards, incorporating new technology in the classroom, assessing faculty and providing training.
Average salary range: $47–$74K
Education requirements: Master’s degree or higher
Here are three steps toward following a career in higher education administration:
If you are currently pursuing your bachelor’s degree or have graduated: Congratulations! You have a whole university administration at your disposal. Reach out to individuals in your school’s administrations 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.
Ultimately, most high-level jobs in higher education administration require a master’s degree or more.
The Higher Education Administration (M.Ed.) program at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College focuses on preparing students for roles in higher education administration, consulting firms, state education agencies or related nonprofits. The leadership skills graduates of this program carry into their professions grant them the ability to make lasting changes amongst faculty, staff and students.
Through integrated coursework and practicum experiences, students in the Higher Education Administration program will have the chance to 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, students 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 into this important field.