The Rewards of Working in Higher Education
If you’re looking for a career opportunity to help shape the lives of young people, work with diverse populations, and experience the potential for professional growth, consider a career in higher education. Whatever your passion—teaching, research, or administration—there’s a place for you in a rewarding and evolving field.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that four million people (about twice the population of New Mexico) were employed by 5,777 postsecondary institutions as of fall 2022*.
In fact, working in higher education is one of the fastest-growing career fields. Higher ed careers are projected to grow 12% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Board of Labor Statistics—much faster than the average growth rate for other sectors.
Explore PC’s Master of Education in Higher Education
Below are some key areas within higher education that offer a multitude of career paths:
Academic Affairs
- Faculty: Teaching and conducting research in various disciplines
- Academic Administration: Overseeing all facets of academic operations, such as deans, department chairs, and program directors
- Curriculum Development: Designing and improving academic programs
Research/Scholarship
- Research Faculty: Focusing on scholarly research, publishing, and grants
- Grant Writing and Funding: Pursuing funding for research programs
Student Affairs
- Advising and Counseling: Guiding students in academic, personal, and career matters
- Student Services: Managing areas like housing, student activities, and health services
- Career Services: Assisting students with internships, job placement, and career development
Professional Services
- Human Resources: Managing faculty and staff recruitment, policies, and benefits
- Finance and Budgeting: Handling financial operations
- Information Technology: Supporting campus technology services and infrastructure
Administration and Leadership
- Presidents and Provosts: Leading institutions, shaping strategic vision, and overseeing a variety of academic affairs
- Registrar’s Office: Managing student records, course scheduling, and graduation
- Institutional Research: Analyzing data for operational decision-making.
Libraries and Archives
- Librarians: Curating resources, assisting researchers, and promoting information literacy
- Archivists: Preserving historical records and artifacts
Online and Distance Education
- Program Managers: Overseeing online engagement and successful outcomes
- Instructional Designers: Creating and implementing online learning experiences
The Providence College Master’s in Higher Education Program prepares students to begin professional careers in college or university administration. Graduates of the program have found success in a number of roles, including advising, career education, admission, student leadership, residential life, international education, student support, athletics, and administration.
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