Master's and PhD: Higher Education Administration at a Glance
If you are interested in a leadership position at a college or university, you may complete graduate work in higher education administration. These programs cover a variety of topics relating to governance, legal matters and policy as they affect postsecondary education. Master's programs are designed to prepare you for taking on roles in administration, while doctoral programs can lead to both promotion and teaching positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment for postsecondary administrators is expected to rise 19% from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov). The BLS indicates that positions will be created out of the need to accommodate growing college enrollments.
| Master's | Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals interested in working in higher education administration roles | People who want to work in academia as high-level administrators or are interested in teaching at the university-level |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | Academic administrator ($84,000)* specializing in: - Student affairs - Admissions - Registrar | - University president ($167,000)* - Provost ($137,000)** - Postsecondary teacher, other ($64,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 1-2 years full time | 4-6 years full time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Roughly 10-15 graduate level courses - Master's thesis (some programs) - Master's exams - Field experience (some programs) | - Roughly 12-20 graduate level courses - PhD candidacy exams - Dissertation proposal - Dissertation |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's or master's degree, depending on program |
| Online Availability | Yes | Blended |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **Salary.com (retrieved October 2012).
Master's in Higher Education Administration
While some entry-level positions at colleges and universities may be filled by applicants who have only completed a bachelor's degree program, the majority of these positions go to master's degree holders. A master's degree in higher education administration prepares students for roles in college and university administration in areas like admissions, academic advising, financial aid and student affairs. These programs usually take 1-2 years to complete and may have field experience options or requirements.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- These programs typically offer internships that provide work experience
- Credits may transfer to a PhD program should you choose to further your education
- Thesis requirements in these programs will teach you the basics of formal research methodology
Cons
- You may not be eligible for teaching positions at the university-level
- A master's degree in higher education administration may be difficult to translate to careers outside of academia
- Online programs may not be able to provide the same internship options as a classroom setting
Courses and Requirements
Those seeking a master's degree in higher education administration study the history and organization of postsecondary education, as well as diversity, organizational theory and student development. Some programs also train their students to conduct original research. Most programs will require internships. Some of the topics you may take include:
- College organization and processes
- Community college administration
- Cross-cultural advising and counseling
- Higher education as a diverse environment
- Higher education leadership
- International perspectives on education
- Legal aspects of higher education
Online Degree Options
Some higher education administration master's programs have been made available fully online, although there are blended options as well. These online programs provide flexibility for students, allowing those who are currently working professionals to maintain their career trajectory while achieving their educational goals through asynchronous, distance and student-centered learning.
Stand Out with This Degree
You may want to look for an internship in the division of university administration which interests you. If possible, you may try to seek out an internship at the school you want to work at after graduation. You may also seek opportunities to become involved in research that will lead to publication, which is an excellent way to strengthen a resume. Technically, you may want to develop your computer skills in areas that will help with creating and managing a budget.
Doctorate in Higher Education Administration
For the highest leadership positions, such as provosts and deans, a doctoral degree may be required. In addition to practical application, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are also committed to training candidates in formal research techniques as part of the dissertation process. Doctoral programs may grant either PhD or Doctor of Education degrees. Some programs may offer both.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- For those already employed at a college or university, educational waivers, grants or fellowships may be available for those seeking career development opportunities
- These programs provide training in formal research methods
- A doctoral degree in higher education administration qualifies graduates for the highest positions in postsecondary administration
Cons
- A doctoral degree in higher education administration is a serious commitment of time and effort
- Earning a PhD in higher education administration does not guarantee promotion
- Graduates who are seeking tenured teaching positions will likely face stiff competition
Courses and Requirements
In addition to practical application, PhD programs are also committed to training candidates in formal research techniques as part of the dissertation process. Coursework supports positive functioning in postsecondary leadership roles through advising students and setting policies. Some programs will require that applicants have already completed a master's degree, though this is not true of all programs. The coursework of PhD program may cover such topics as:
- Postsecondary institution organization
- Postsecondary administration and leadership
- Higher education policy and law
- Postsecondary student culture
- Quantitative and qualitative research in education
Online Degree Options
Fully online PhD programs in higher education administration are not currently available, though there are blended programs that have limited residency requirements. You may need to attend meetings on campus and other limited functions. These requirements vary from school to school and you should research any prospective program.
Stand Out with This Degree
You may consider involving yourself early on in research that is headed for publication and developing your dissertation topic in conjunction with your advisor. Since this is a competitive field, developing close professional relationships during your time in graduate school can expand your professional network. Similar to individuals in a master's program, you may want to develop computer skills that will help you with maintaining a budget.
