Why work in higher education administration? It’s a fulfilling career that helps you shape the careers and futures of students, faculty and staff. As you earn your master’s degree, you’ll build new skills and relationships that will make a difference in the lives of others.
Earning your master’s in higher education administration at Tiffin University can take you to leadership roles within private or public colleges and universities, community colleges or junior colleges, and if you’re asking yourself, “is a masters in higher education administration worth it?” know that this is a field with lots of room to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for post-secondary education administrators is expected to expand by eight percent by 2030, with about 14,500 job openings projected each year.
While higher education administration jobs typically require a graduate degree, the time you invest in earning your M.Ed. in higher education administration will pay off with a competitive edge in the career field and a solid foundation should you want to pursue a doctoral degree. Among the skills you build as part of the degree program are:
- Leadership: Most higher education administration jobs require decision-making and problem-solving. These are just a few of the skills you’ll strengthen in the M.Ed. higher education administration program.
- Communication: As part of your degree, you’ll be required to write clear arguments, proposals and reports based on research. You will also build upon interpersonal communications skills with classmates, professors and advisors. All these skills are valuable as an administrator.
- Teamwork: As a higher education administrator, you’ll be a team leader steering staff and students to a common goal. As you earn your M.Ed. in higher education administration, you’ll often have to coordinate and collaborate with classmates on projects, within discussions and through providing peer-critiques.
Is a Master’s in Higher Education Administration Worth It?
If you’re considering whether or not a master’s in higher education administration is worth it, consider the many perks and what you can do with a master’s in higher education.
A growing field: Institutions will always need administrators to carry out their goals, therefore, it’s safe to say there will always be a market for students who want to earn their degree.
High salary: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for postsecondary education administrators was $96,910 in May 2021. That salary range may increase, depending on the type of institution you’re working within.
A noble career: As a higher education administrator, you’ll have a direct role in shaping how the education system works.
What Does a Master’s in Higher Education Administration Look Like?
At Tiffin University, the M.Ed. in higher education administration is available fully online, giving you all of the benefits of in-person learning—interaction with professors and classmates, stimulating courses and discussions, access to industry experts and more—with the added bonus of flexible learning. You can choose when you want to complete assignments and, you can learn anywhere that you have an internet connection. On average, full-time students complete their degree in about one year, while part-time students earn their degree in about two years.
Most students earning an M.Ed. in higher education administration come to the program after earning an undergraduate degree in education, business administration, social science or the humanities. Here is a sampling of the kinds of classes you’ll participate in as part of your degree program:
- Human Resource Management
- Issues in Student Affairs
- Student Enrollment and Retention
- Higher Education Athletic and Sports Management
- Assessment and Student Learning
- Higher Education Finance and Budgeting
Types of Career Opportunities for a Master’s in Higher Education
So, what are the higher education administration jobs that you can choose from after graduation? Some include working in admissions, financial aid, student affairs or athletics departments at a college or university. To take your career prospects even further, you can also choose continue your education to receive a doctoral degree. Here are a few examples of jobs in higher education administration with a master’s degree:
Career Counselor and Advisor: Higher education counselors and advisors help students stay on track academically and ensure they’re ready to find a career after graduation. This is a career that requires at least a master’s degree, and advisors typically work full-time, though you may get a break when school isn’t in session. The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors was $60,510 in May 2021.
Human Resources Manager: Working within the HR department at a college or university, you’d be responsible for planning and leading the administrative work related to employing staff and faculty. You’d typically work a full-time schedule (with exceptions for school holidays) and you can expect a standard 40-hour workweek, perhaps with a busier schedule during enrollment periods. In May 2021, the median annual wage for human resources managers was $126,230.
Admissions Administrator: In this role you’re responsible for overseeing which applicants your institution should admit, and you also ensure that your college or university is an appealing option for potential students. Most admissions administrators work full-time, and because keeping enrollment up is a full-time job, sometimes summer and winter breaks aren’t an option. The average median salary for postsecondary education administrators was $96,910 in May 2021.
Athletic Director: You can combine a love of the game with a career in higher education administration as an athletic director. In this role, you’re responsible for overseeing all aspects of your institution’s athletic program, from team recruiting, managing and hiring coaches, promoting events, ordering equipment and managing facilities. The average base salary for an athletic director is $60,500.
Changing Career Paths to Higher Education Administration
Because this is a career with lots of growth potential, there’s no doubt that a master’s in higher education administration is worth it. Building a strong foundation for students to learn is one of the most gratifying ways to earn a living, especially knowing that the work you do paves the way for students to find their own career paths.
Earning your degree at TU provides you with a wealth of resources, as our online learning program combines technology with the human touch. You have full access to mentors, professional networking opportunities and academic resources like the Pfeiffer Library, as well as guides, tutorials and writing assistance.
Many people are switching to this exciting major due to its flexibility, and they’re staying because it’s a career that endures.
How Can You Earn a Master’s in Higher Education?
Tiffin University’s online M.Ed. in higher education administration degree program provides top-notch academics plus the flexibility today’s learners demand— and deserve.
With financial aid, student discounts and the ability to transfer credits, TU helps you earn your degree in less time, for less money. See why we’re top ranked among the nation’s 25 best online M.Ed. higher education administration programs. Learn more about this degree and contact our admissions team to set up an information session.