What is higher education administration?
A multifaceted and results-oriented field, higher education administration is a unique discipline related to the much larger umbrella of administration and management. Higher education administration involves the coordination of various academic programs, departments, and activities for higher education institutions.
If you're thinking about working in higher education, then this interview is a must-read.
We had the opportunity to speak with a student who is currently pursing a master's degree in Higher Education Administration at West Virginia University.
Here's a look into Rachel Daw's experience:
What is your name, location, projected graduation year, and current role?
Rachel Daw, Morgantown, WV, May 2020, Program Coordinator for WVU New Student Orientation
What made you think it was time to consider getting a graduate degree in higher education administration?
I first wanted to pursue my Masters after serving a summer as an Orientation Leader. I wanted to know how I could do that job every day for the rest of my life and found out about higher education and haven’t turned back since!
What attracted you to WVU’s Higher Education Administration graduate degree specifically?
For me, I knew that WVU was where I wanted to stay to pursue my degree because of the connections I had already made at the university. I had heard great things from some of my mentors who had already moved through the program and I knew it would set me up for the success I was envisioning at WVU.
What has been the most challenging element of the program?
The most challenging element of the program for me was the transition from having class in-person every week day of undergrad to having class 1-2 times per week, online. Although having class synchronously does help with the “classroom feel,” it still takes getting used to!
What has been the most exciting or eye-opening element of the program?
I think the most exciting part of the program for me is that while I am learning about higher education, I am also living it. I am doing it in my job everyday and I am partaking in it by getting this graduate degree. Each week being able to reflect on the readings within my own job or own program is something that you do not really get to do in undergrad. For example, when learning about student development theories, I could apply those theories to the student groups I was working with for my Graduate Assistantship.
How has the WVU program encouraged you to become a better leader?
Honestly, the people in my program make me want to become a better leader. Getting to listen to their experiences and stories each week inspires me to become a better administrator. One of the best parts about this program is that the students in it come from a variety of backgrounds, making for more diverse and rich conversations.
What changes have you noticed in how you lead, manage, or work with others since enrolling in this degree?
Since enrolling with this degree I have had the ability to learn best practices for working in higher education organizations and it has helped me so much as navigating the first few years of my professional career. I think the skills and lessons this program can teach you are useful for any point in your career though and will set up you up to be a successful leader in whatever role you are in or choose to pursue.
How has this degree affected your professional opportunities, and what do you hope to accomplish post-graduation?
Having this degree allows me to be more flexible. Before I only had my Bachelor’s and it was in History, which was great, but it does not really help me when maneuvering the field. Now, I have the ability to say I have a degree in Higher Education, plus I have the experience to go along with it since I was able to pursue this while working full-time for the majority of my program and those two things combined are setting up for success, no matter where I go. I currently work in Admissions and I love it. My hope is to continue to have the ability to help students realize their passions and help them achieve those by choosing the right school for them to attend.
Please tell us about one faculty member who has inspired and positively influenced your experience.
Erin McHenry-Sorber has been a phenomenal faculty member since I started this experience. She is poised, always prepared and extremely engaging. I took every class I could with her and even made a point to work with her for my capstone. Erin has always been a professor I feel like I could approach, not only about coursework, but about life in general. She is passionate about her work, her family, and higher education and it shows through everything she does. I’m extremely thankful to have had her mentorship over the last couple of years in the program.
Pro Tip: To learn more about the dynamic opportunities for professionals working in higher education administration, check out this blog — 9 Careers in Higher Education Administration.
Noteworthy Benefits to Joining the WVU Community
When making the important decision to choose a specific institution, it is crucial that you first understand what sets your school of interest apart from other universities offering the same degree option. Here, we will highlight just a few of West Virginia University’s noteworthy features:
WVU as an R1 Institution
There are around 130 institutions in the U.S. classified as R1 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education, and WVU’s research classification is described as fitting into the “highest research activity” classification for doctoral universities.
Students at Carnegie R1 institutions, whether they are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level, have the opportunity to engage in research at the forefront of their discipline. Students at R1 universities also work with faculty who remain active in the discovery of knowledge and who bring the latest findings from their research and that of their colleagues into the classroom. Students who graduate with a degree from an R1 institution have the most current understanding of the state of the art in their major field of study. In other words, R1 classified schools are up-to-date with the most recent findings and trends impacting that area.
Land-Grant Status
Since West Virginia University was founded in 1867, it has remained dedicated to its land-grant mission of promoting access to higher education and applying research to meet the needs of West Virginians. The land-grant mission is at the core of WVU’s identity as a university, and WVU remains a unique place for graduate students to participate in world-class research and local service to the community.
Prospective students can explore WVU’s Center for the Future of Land-Grant Education to learn more.
Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
West Virginia University awards approximately 1,700 graduate assistantships annually to incoming and continuing graduate students. All graduate assistants must be accepted into a graduate degree program and are required to be enrolled full-time while employed during the fall and spring terms.
Specifically, students in the M.A. in Higher Education Administration with Student Affairs Specialization program are eligible for graduate assistantships within WVU’s student affairs’ offices and programs. Graduate assistants receive tuition waivers and stipends to aid in making college more affordable.
Lower Tuition for Online Students
Some higher education institutions, including West Virginia University, offer a variety of online graduate programs at the same tuition rates for in-state and non-residents. This opportunity applies to students who enroll in the online M.A. in Higher Education Administration program.
Student Organizations
Students enrolled in one of WVU’s graduate programs in Higher Education Administration can take advantage of the Higher Education Administration Student Association.
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.
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!
Jumpstart your higher education administration career; Download WVU's Higher Education Administration Guide.
