Careers in Higher Education
Working Outside of the Classroom in a College Environment
Within a college or university setting, one of the most widely recognized positions available for education professionals is the professor. However, the realm of higher education and higher education administration offers many more positions outside of teaching for those who are interested in working in the education field, but are not necessarily interested in teaching.
Education and Degree Requirements for Higher Education Administration
Many staff members at the university level hold a master's degree or another advanced degree in higher education administration, college student personnel, or leadership in higher education. Other possible degrees include a master's of education in community counseling, leadership development, or master's degrees in areas outside of education that relate to specific positions, such as business or finance.
Those who are interested in pursuing a master's degree in higher education will be exposed to many different courses and practical learning experiences. These courses include educational finance, curriculum development, educational law, and diversity and cooperative community environments. Practical learning experiences, often in the form of a graduate assistantship, allow students to earn course credits, gain job experience, and to apply theories learned in the classroom to real world situations.
Careers and Positions in Higher Education
According to DegreeDirectory, those who hold degrees in higher education administration often hold positions as deans, directors, and high-level administrators within an institution. Positions are often categorized into two divisions: student affairs and academic affairs.
Student affairs encompasses everything outside of the academic setting of college or university life. This includes positions such as residence life and housing, student activities, leadership development, Greek affairs, and commuter services. Professionals in this area are in charge of the social development that occurs outside of the classroom by facilitating leadership training, advising campus programming groups, or directing community service organizations. In some schools, international education / study abroad and orientation may be included under this umbrella.
Academic affairs includes classroom support services and curriculum development and planning. Offices within this division may include academic advising, career development, tutoring, and disabilities services. Specialty areas, such as study abroad and orientation, may also be categorized under this division or work with various departments within the college or university. Professionals in this area direct tutoring programs, help students formulate degree plans or choose majors, and prepare for professional life beyond college.
Other positions also include parent and alumni relations, admissions, and many areas dealing with finances and the business aspect of higher education. Professionals in these areas may not hold a degree in higher education, but may have advanced degrees in related fields, such as public relations, business, finance, or corporate management.
For those who wish to work in education but may not be ready or willing to take a classroom position, higher education administration offers a wealth of positions within an educational environment to enrich the learning experiences of thousands of students without opening a book.
Advising Students Is Only Part of Higher Education
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