Promising trends in student enrollment indicate that the demand for skilled professionals across higher education is increasing. Postsecondary and education institutions received 13.9 million undergraduate student applications in fall 2023, marking the first increase in over a decade.
Here we’ll explore the many job opportunities in higher education available, from teaching and advising to admissions, technology, marketing, and beyond. We’ll also outline the skills and qualifications you need to succeed.
Why Consider a Career in Higher Education?
Higher education jobs offer a wide range of meaningful career paths for those seeking purpose and long-term growth. Working in higher education can provide:
- Mission-driven environments focused on student success and community impact
- Various positions in different fields
- Opportunities for professional development and tuition benefits
- Stability and career growth
Career Opportunities in Higher Education
Teaching and Academic Roles
A growing field with more competitive candidates requires a strategic approach to successfully navigate a career in academia. This arm of higher education operates on two pillars: teaching and research.
Teaching
These duties often evolve over time into more administrative roles, with tenure, for faculty seeking higher education leadership positions, such as department heads and deans.
- Professors, instructors and lecturers: Teach courses, mentor students and conduct research
- Some begin teaching with a master’s degree at the instructor level rank.
- Advancement to the rank of professor – assistant, associate and full professor – requires a doctoral degree.
- Adjunct professors: Typically teach part-time and work in their fields
Research
The other pillar of academia resides in research. If you enjoy exploration and are committed to expanding knowledge for the benefit of scientists and the community at large, research is likely a great fit for you. Faculty often begin with very broad research interests that they refine as they progress in their academic careers. Typically, their dissertation is their most significant contribution to current literature.
Researchers also frequently identify within a specific paradigm: quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods. This identity is important for securing career opportunities that are a good match for the nature of the field and institutional orientations.
Administrative and Support Roles
Careers in higher education administration provide a diverse range of opportunities for professionals seeking to support academic missions behind the scenes. Administrative roles keep colleges and universities running smoothly, shaping everything from student services to institutional operations. Many higher education job opportunities that aren’t directly academic-related fall under this umbrella. There are a multitude of exciting career pathways in areas like:
- Technology and digital learning: Support everything from classroom technology for faculty to IT systems or digital course design
- Marketing and communications: Strategize with faculty, administration and enrollment teams to produce digital marketing strategies and brand assets, social media content, internal communications, and more
- Registrars and student records officers: Manage enrollment data and academic records
- Data analysis: Support institutional decision-making through data
- Human resources: Manage talent recruitment, training, and development for faculty and staff
- Finance and budget: Work as accountants and budgeting specialists to support operations in areas like the bursar’s office, philanthropy and fundraising
- Operations: Support everything on a college campus, from groundskeeping and safety to transportation and maintenance
These roles require strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate across departments. For individuals who enjoy strategic planning, data-driven decision-making and improving the student experience, higher education administrative and support roles offer a rewarding and impactful career path.
Admissions and Academic Advising Roles
Academic advisors and counselors play a crucial role in student success on a college campus. Many roles exist for qualified professionals to support students through their academic journeys. These roles can include:
- Admissions counselors: Recruit students, evaluate applications and host campus events
- Enrollment advisors: Guide prospective students through application and enrollment processes
- Financial aid specialists: Help students manage financial aid processes and advise students on their options
- Career services professionals: Support students with next steps after graduation
- Academic advisors: Monitor student progress and plan coursework to reach their academic and professional goals
- Student life coordinators: Work closely with student clubs and organizations to plan activities and enhance engagement
- Residence and housing positions: Support essential elements like dining and residence halls, which may also include roles like director or supervisor
Common Education Requirements for Higher Education Jobs
Higher education institutions are complex and serve diverse student populations, which means the qualifications needed for careers in this field vary widely. Some roles require advanced degrees or specialized training, while others are accessible with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
- Teaching and research: For academic roles, master’s or doctoral degrees are often needed for teaching, research and leadership positions.
- The degree level needed to begin teaching at the tertiary level varies, but most United States universities require a terminal degree, often a Ph.D., in the intended career field.
- Recent graduates from doctoral programs often go on to secure postdoctoral research positions as a preparatory track to full-time faculty positions. These roles focus on researching and publishing to enhance their skill sets and expertise for entry-level faculty positions, typically at the assistant professor level.
- Other requirements for academic faculty positions often include teaching philosophies, research statements and diversity statements.
- Administrative and support staff: Many entry-level roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specialized area, like a B.S. in computer science for IT roles or a marketing degree for communications positions.
Certifications and professional development can be beneficial in helping you stand out in specific areas. For example, higher education advising professionals might complete the certification offered by the National Academic Advising Association or student affairs employees might earn NASPA/ACPA competencies.
The higher education field provides ample avenues for advancement and is ready for professionals like you. Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking a new direction, higher learning provides a rewarding path forward for your next career move.
American College of Education offers various flexible, affordable education programs that support your career advancement in higher education, whether you’re new to the field or looking to grow into leadership roles.
