Education Administrators, Postsecondary Career Video
Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Video Transcript
Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the size of the school, and area of the college they manage. In admissions offices, administrators review college applications, conduct interviews with potential students, and decide whether to admit them to the school. Admissions counselors are typically assigned a region of the country and travel there to speak to high school counselors and students. In registrars’ offices, education administrators and their staff register students for classes, ensure they meet academic requirements, and maintain institutional records. Before the school year begins, registrars prepare course schedules, and as the year winds down, they also help plan graduation ceremonies. postsecondary education administrators may oversee student athletics, academic and personal advising, residential life, or other areas. Student affairs staff may advise student clubs, and train student workers, including residential advisors. Provosts and academic deans help develop academic policies, hire faculty, and manage budgets. Postsecondary education administrators work full time, year-round, for both private and public colleges and universities. Postsecondary education administrators typically need at least a master’s degree, although smaller colleges or community colleges may hire candidates with only a bachelor’s. Provosts and deans usually need a Ph.D. Many positions also require several years of experience in a college administration setting.