If you are an aspiring educator who wants to take your career to the next level, you may be asking, "Should I get a master's in higher education?" While everyone's career path is unique, you will find that a master's degree in higher education can open the door to a number of different career opportunities. From administration to working in the classroom, a Master of Arts in Higher Education could be the right fit for your career goals. Here is a closer look at some of the careers it might open to you.
Admissions Administrator or Dean
Students who are looking to enter your college or university will need help from the admissions office. Admissions professionals must have a clear understanding of what their colleges expect from new students, but they also must understand what students and families are looking for in a school, often almost viewing them as customers first and potential students second.
A master's degree in higher education can train you for leadership positions within the admissions office. By gaining a deeper understanding of how colleges work, you will be able to assist the other people within the admissions office make wise decisions for the school while also communicating with potential students and their families.
6 Exciting Careers for Those with a Master's in Higher Education
So what careers are available to you with a master's in higher education? These six are some of the most common occupations for graduates with this degree:
Student engagement is a critical part of the college experience. It focuses on how students are engaging with their classes, teachers and peers. Student engagement outreach specialists will oversee data relating to these facts, analyzing success rates for students and overall trends for the school.
This information is critical to the school because it can be used to improve performance, set students up for better success and even write grant proposals when more money is needed.
What does a student engagement outreach specialist do? These professionals will host campus events, analyze student assessments, coordinate with academic departments, interact with student social groups and work with community partners. All of these activities are with the goal of promoting better outcomes and opportunities for students on campus.
Financial aid is critical for most students. It provides funds to pay for their education so they can focus on their studies and social development rather than finances. Navigating the world of financial aid is definitely challenging, not just for families, but also for schools.
A director of financial aid manages the financial aid department, ensuring department staff understand the options available to students. They also ensure that complex applications are handled appropriately so students get the funds they are eligible to receive. These professionals are often the ones who make final decisions on applications for school-based financial aid programs.
The provost is the second in command over the school's leadership team. Sometimes, this role is called the vice president. While many provosts and vice presidents will hold a doctoral degree, a master's in higher education could be considered the minimum degree for this position.
The provost helps oversee many aspects of the school and its processes. This individual may be asked to help with developing curriculum. They may oversee aspects of the hiring process. Often, the provost has more day-to-day responsibilities than the president, leaving the president free to serve as the face of the school.
Many people who seek a master's in higher education will fulfill the role of a professor or instructor. While some professors will seek master's degrees in their particular subject field, a degree in higher education can still open the door to teaching opportunities at the college level. Teachers with a master's degree typically teach undergraduate classes, but they may be called upon to teach grad students as well, depending on the school's needs and the teacher's experience.
Most colleges and universities have a student services department. This department helps students make the most out of their college experience. It may be responsible for counseling and social activities to make students feel more comfortable on campus. This department may run freshman orientation programs or participate in recruiting efforts.
The dean of student services is the leader of this department. This means they will advise and train staff, coordinate programs, and make judicial decisions that apply to student services. Like most dean and administrative positions on campus, this requires a master's degree.
Many of today's colleges and universities have a strong focus on developing student leaders. Leadership programs are at the head of that, providing opportunities for students to explore these opportunities, lead student organizations, and fill roles as resident assistants. A leadership program administrator trains and develops these student leaders and gives them access to the resources they need to succeed.
Income Opportunities for Students with a Master's Degree in Higher Education
If you are wondering if you should work in higher education, you are probably also wondering about the potential income in the field. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not offer a breakdown on income for each of the listed occupations, it does provide data for post-secondary education administrators and professors overall. (Job boards and listing sites can help provide some payroll data regarding the specific occupations above as well as an idea of how many opportunities can be found in your region.)
According to the BLS, postsecondary education administrators make an average of $95,410 per year. This is a well-paying career field with average job growth in the coming ten years. A master's degree is the minimum degree requirement. The BLS also estimates the average pay for post-secondary teachers to be $79,540 per year. Though average pay is lower for professors than administrators, the projected job growth rate is higher. This field is expected to see 9 percent growth over the next 10 years.
What Can You Do with a Master's in Higher Education? Prepare for Leadership Careers
Colleges and universities need well-trained leaders to pave the way as they prepare students for future success in work and life. A master's in higher education can give you the detailed knowledge of how colleges and universities work that you need to fill one of these roles.
If you are looking for a flexible option rooted in a Christian philosophy, with options for online and hybrid courses, consider the Master of Arts in Higher Education from Geneva College. Reach out to one of our admissions professionals to determine if this program is right for your future career goals.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
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