Postsecondary Education Administrator

Education administrators at the postsecondary level help manage school operations for colleges and universities. This could include oversight of academic programs, student services, departmental operations, or research. Specific job duties will vary based on the specific position and the department administrators work in at a school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in postsecondary education administration typically include the following duties:

  • Developing and organizing the distribution of informational materials for a specific office or department.
  • Keep student and departmental records up to date.
  • Plan events such as commencements, awards ceremonies, and department meetings.
  • Manage budgets and financing, depending on the specific position and department.

Potential jobs could include positions with student affairs, admissions, or the registrar's office, to name a few options. Experienced administrators at this level may also qualify for jobs as deans or provosts.

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Postsecondary Education Administrator at a Glance

Projected Job Growth

  • Job Growth for
    Postsecondary Education Administrator
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  • 63,400
  • 86,600
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    • 2013
    • 2023
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Average Pay for Postsecondary Education Administrator

  • Annual Pay National Average
  • Hourly Pay National Average

Best States for Postsecondary Education Administrator

  Employment
in 2011		 Average
Annual Pay		 Average
Hourly Pay
District of Columbia 750 $73,950 $36
Alaska 340 $55,990 $27
Vermont 290 $47,240 $23

Sources:

Becoming a Postsecondary Education Administrator

To qualify for most postsecondary education administrator jobs, candidates will need to have completed a master's degree or higher. Some entry-level positions may be available to those with only a bachelor's degree, but options and potential for advancement will be limited. Provosts and deans at colleges and universities almost always have a Ph.D. along with teaching experience.

At the undergraduate level, prospective college administrators may have degrees ranging from chemistry to English. Some teaching experience may also be beneficial, or even required, before entering upper level administration positions. Common subjects for an education administration program at the graduate level include:

  • History and Philosophy of Higher Education
  • School Administration
  • Educational Assessment at the Postsecondary Level
  • Current Issues in Higher Education

While no specific certification or licensure is typically required for higher education administration careers, continuing education courses can be helpful for professionals in the field. These classes will help leaders in higher education stay on top of current issues, technologies, and administrative practices. This is essential to working efficiently and serving students the best they can. Many employers will provide this training directly to their employees.