As the shape of higher education changes daily, colleges and universities are rapidly adapting to develop new strategies that will transform the industry for the next generation. In order to meet the needs of today’s students, schools rely on their team of administrative professionals who work together to provide innovative, forward-thinking programs and policies that ensure the long-term growth of their institution.
Higher education administration (HEA) is a career path for professionals who are passionate about building thriving, successful communities at the college and university level. This broad career field involves the management and coordination of the programs and activities that keep institutions functioning. HEA professionals work in every department of an institution’s administrative offices, including admissions, student life, financial aid, and even within individual departments.
A career in higher education administration is a perfect fit for mission-driven, research-focused, and leadership-oriented individuals who want to leave a lasting impact on the higher education industry.
Pro Tip: To hear from a graduate of WVU's online master's degree in Higher Education Administration, check out Rachel's story.
Careers in Higher Education Administration
A graduate degree in higher education administration opens the door to a wide variety of career opportunities for those interested in working in higher education. Depending on your specific area of interest, you can follow a path that is aligned with your unique skill set, while working as part of a diverse, interconnected group of professionals who share your passion.
Here are nine career paths in higher education administration:
1. Instructional Coordinator
An instructional coordinator oversees the curriculum and teaching standards for an institution. Responsibilities include developing instructional materials, organizing and conducting teacher training, and evaluating curriculum effectiveness. Instructional coordinators need to be able to conduct research, analyze data, present their findings, and collaborate with faculty and administrators to implement necessary changes. Most instructional coordinators work in elementary and secondary school districts, colleges and universities, professional schools, or in state or local governments.
Median annual salary — $66,000
2. Residence Life Coordinator
Residence life coordinators are responsible for a variety of tasks related to residential life on a college or university’s campus. These responsibilities include regular inspection of all student housing facilities, maintaining records of all student check-in and checkout, and providing support in emergency situations. Residence life coordinators are typically provided with housing on campus, and they work with the admissions department to forecast housing requirements and assist the housekeeping staff to help maintain the cleanliness of facilities. They also plan and oversee a diverse range of social and educational programs in order to develop and build community among students.
Average annual salary — $40,000
3. Postsecondary Education Administrator
Postsecondary education administrators implement academic programs and oversee student services at an institution. They may work in admissions or in the registrar’s office, therefore their duties may vary. In admissions offices, administrators review college applications, conduct student interviews, and decide whether or not to admit them. In registrars’ offices, education administrators and their staff register students for classes, ensure they are meeting academic requirements, and maintain institutional records. Postsecondary education administrators may also go on to become provosts, professionals who help college presidents develop academic policies, participate in making faculty appointments and tenure decisions, and manage budgets.
Median annual salary — $95,000
4. Professor and Associate Dean of Research
For professionals who become a professor and associate dean of research responsibilities include the management and oversight of funded research initiatives at an institution. This person collaborates across schools and departments and works with members of the faculty to help them realize their research goals by helping coordinate research proposals, managing research budgets, and applying for training grants. Some associate deans of research also oversee awards programs, which help provide funds for new research, small equipment grants, or travel grants for students and faculty.
Average annual salary — $117,000
5. Postsecondary Teacher
Often referred to as professors or faculty, postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. At colleges and universities, professors are organized into departments that specialize in a degree field and may teach one or more courses within that department. In larger institutions, they may spend their time teaching, conducting research or experiments, publishing original research, applying for grants to fund their research, or supervising graduate teaching assistants who are teaching classes.
Median annual salary — $80,000
6. Academic Researcher
An academic researcher is hired to assist in carrying out a particular research agenda for an institution. This role engages in a variety of research initiatives related to higher education, including participating in collaborative research, managing and publishing of individual research, and evaluating existing research. Academic researchers are responsible for conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, recruiting and interviewing subjects, monitoring the project budget, and preparing progress reports and project presentations. While some academic researchers are able to focus solely on research, at many colleges and universities, the role also requires a teaching element.
Median annual salary — $56,000
7. Dean of Student Affairs
The dean of student affairs is responsible for providing strategic initiatives regarding student affairs and oversees all activities related to student services and campus life. A dean of student affairs serves as a liaison between college administrators and student organizations and is generally responsible for serving as a source of information for students and responding to the needs of students. A larger university might have multiple deans of students, each of whom has a specialized area of focus. Programs managed through the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs might include orientation events for incoming students, or other community-building events on campus.
Median annual salary— $102,000
8. Director of Admissions
A director of admissions works with students and other professionals in the areas of admissions and recruitment. At the postsecondary level, they evaluate the academic records, extracurricular activities, standardized test scores, and personal recommendations of individuals who wish to attend their institution. They oversee the entire recruiting process, including planning, coordinating, and overseeing promotional events, campus tours, student interviews, and other admissions activities. Responsibilities also include managing admissions officers and working with other school administrators to develop admissions criteria and testing policies.
9. Chief Enrollment Management Officer
A chief enrollment management officer directs and oversees the entirety of an institution’s enrollment process. Chief enrollment management officers typically report directly to the president of a college or university and provide strategic oversight for admissions, financial aid, the registrar’s office, and enrollment management. Responsibilities may also include advancing an institution’s academic programs, enhancing marketing and communications messages, identifying emerging markets, supporting student development efforts, and projecting short-term and long-range enrollment and tuition revenue.
Median annual salary — $134,000
Earning a Graduate Degree in Higher Education Administration at West Virginia University
West Virginia University’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies is dedicated to preparing the next generation of higher education professionals to improve the lives of students and transform the industry. Students can take advantage of low tuition, vibrant student groups, graduate assistantship opportunities, and WVU’s status as an R1 Institution. Our graduates go on to pursue careers as administration professionals equipped with the skills and experience needed to become successful leaders in all areas of higher education.
“I think the skills and lessons this program can teach you are useful for any point in your career and will set you up to be a successful leader in whatever role you are in or choose to pursue.” —Rachel Daw, Admissions Outreach Coordinator for WVU’s New Student Orientation
By pursuing a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration at WVU, you will be at the forefront of educational change to help make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Get started today by requesting more information or by visiting our library of student resources. We look forward to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals!
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