Graduate school administrators play an important role in developing the future of higher education. Their leadership directly affects student success, faculty well-being and the school’s reputation. For those looking to elevate their leadership abilities and shape the field of education, the online Master of Arts (MA) in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Leadership Studies program from William Paterson University (WP) is a decisive first step. This specialized degree program provides aspiring administrators with a well-rounded understanding of higher education practices while sharpening crucial leadership skills needed for this space.
Skills Gained Through an MA in Higher Education Administration With a Concentration in Leadership Studies
WP’s online MA in Higher Education Administration Leadership program provides a curriculum that emphasizes the core principles of higher education. Students gain an understanding of current policies, funding models, accreditation processes and legal frameworks that universities and colleges must follow.
Beyond just foundational knowledge, this online program develops a leadership skill set. Courses cover:
- Effective communication. Leaders must articulate visions, motivate teams and encourage collaboration with diverse groups. The program provides administrators with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
- Strategic planning. Setting and achieving goals requires an understanding of strategic planning principles. This program supplies administrators with the tools to develop plans and manage the implementation process.
- Decision-making. Higher education administrators constantly face complex decisions with far-reaching consequences. Through WP, students develop critical-thinking skills, data analysis techniques and a strong framework to guide them.
Higher education consulting firm Watermark outlines a roadmap for aspiring administrators. It emphasizes the importance of gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work and graduate assistantships within higher education. Through hands-on experiences, professionals can apply classroom knowledge and cultivate professional networks. In addition to having the right kind of experience, they also highlight the importance of earning a master’s degree.
Diverse Career Options for Graduates
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% job growth rate for postsecondary education administrators between 2022 and 2032 — as fast as the average for all occupations. WP’s online MA in Higher Education Administration Leadership opens doors to a variety of rewarding careers, including the following:
- Director of admissions. An admissions director is responsible for bringing in new students. This role involves actively looking for favorable candidates. Directors might meet with them to understand their goals, organize events to showcase the school and send information about programs, costs and the school’s mission.
- Director of student services. These professionals are considered management professionals at a university or college. They represent and advocate for the student body in ways like supervising student services staff, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations and overseeing student activity logistics.
- Chief academic officer. A chief academic officer manages a college or university’s academic programs. They’re behind curriculum development and creating programs with specialized courses for various majors. They also establish policies to assess student programs and plan initiatives, like honors programs and awards, to recognize student success.
- Registrar. A registrar acts as the record keeper for a school’s academic life. They manage student enrollment, ensuring students take the right courses to graduate. This includes processing registrations, tracking grades and transcripts and verifying that students meet all graduation requirements.
Empowering Change and Innovation: Leading the Way in Higher Education
By providing administrators with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead effectively, the online MA in Higher Education Administration Leadership program from WP plays an important role in encouraging positive change and innovation. With a strong foundation in policy coupled with leadership skills, graduates have the means to advocate for student success and foster a culture of innovation.
Learn more about WP’s online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Leadership Studies program.
