Leadership is vital in all sectors of society, but none more so than in higher education, where a good leader can make a substantial difference in the lives of young people and help set them on the path to becoming successful adults. Leaders in education set the direction for any institution of learning in which they are involved. While the quintessential example of such leadership is a chief executive, such as a university president, leaders are vital at all levels of a school hierarchy.
For those interested in a managerial role within higher education, the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with a Concentration in Leadership in Higher Education online program offers a flexible, rigorous opportunity to achieve their goals. The fully online program is ideal for students that are working in the field while trying to advance in their careers, allowing them to earn their degree in as few as 12 months. It helps graduates develop critical-thinking and collaboration skills — precisely the tools they need to navigate the complexities of higher learning institutions. Whether professionals dream of becoming an admissions counselor or an athletic director, SOU’s program might be an ideal option.
What Is Educational Leadership?
According to Indeed, educational leadership is the management of activities in an academic institution, including colleges and universities. “Professionals aim to fulfill learning objectives while ensuring the facility has the staffing and financial resources to function smoothly,” Indeed states.
Effective leadership requires those in management positions to make strategic decisions about who to hire, how to allocate funding and when to move forward with new initiatives. Although some leadership roles within a university have more responsibility than others, all of them share the core purpose of helping the institution properly educate its students.
Indeed notes that “Working in educational leadership can enable you to make a difference in the learning environments of students. You can choose occupations at grade schools, where you can work with younger students, or opt to manage curriculums and operations at colleges and universities. Exploring managerial positions in the education field can help you identify a job that’s right for you.”
The program prepares students for a broad range of career opportunities in higher education organizations. The following are just five examples of careers available to graduates of SOU’s online MSEd – Leadership in Higher Education program:
1. Academic Advising Director
Academic advising directors supervises all aspects of the advising processes, including admissions, advising, retention and graduation for applicants and current students. They are often tasked with reviewing and updating all marketing and student-related admission/advisement materials and resolving student advisement issues beyond the scope of senior leaders.
These roles often require a master’s degree with experience working with college-level students. According to Salary.com, academic advising directors earn a median annual salary of $71,895.
2. Director of Financial Aid
A school’s financial aid director is at the top of the decision-making hierarchy when it comes to the institution’s financial aid, according to ZipRecruiter. Many students depend on the availability of financial aid when making decisions about colleges.
Effective management of a school’s financial aid department is crucial to attracting quality candidates. This means the director of financial aid is a key member of a school’s long-term success. These professionals make an average of $89,912 a year.
3. Academic Coordinator
Those interested in developing school curricula and training academic staff might consider a career as an academic coordinator. “As an academic coordinator, your job duties include evaluating current curriculum materials and resources, coaching teachers, developing strategies to improve student performance, and collaborating with school administrators and personnel,” states ZipRecruiter.
This position often requires a master’s degree, according to ZipRecruiter, and these professionals make an average of $51,630 a year. The online program offered by SOU is an ideal step to becoming an academic coordinator.
4. Student Life Director
Student life directors plan, organize, manage, and provide administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of student life, such as awards ceremonies, student clubs/organizations, and student leadership development programs. They advise and guide student leaders and often oversee student discipline and student grievances processes.
Through courses such as Higher Education Systems and Culture as well as Creativity in the Workplace and Higher Education, students learn the workings of higher education systems like student life operations and how to address and navigate issues in innovative ways. Directors of student life earn an average annual salary of $89,732, according to Salary.com.
5. Student Housing Director
Student housing directors oversee on-campus housing for students. These professionals assign residence hall managers to dormitories, review housing policies to ensure safety and may even be in charge of off-campus housing programs.
They must know how to prepare budgets and provide fiscal oversight, qualify students for housing through certification processes, and assist families and patients in resolving problems related to insurance enrollment, benefits and other issues. Housing directors earn an average annual salary of $76,262, per Salary.com.
The Importance of Leadership in Higher Education
Higher education leaders with an advanced degree have a number of high-demand, lucrative career options available to them. Colleges are complex institutions that involve many people working together in different management roles.
To help keep these organizations running effectively, leaders must utilized specialized knowledge and skills. The online MSEd – Leadership in Higher Education program from SOU is key to many different and fulfilling career opportunities.
Learn more about SOU’s online Master of Science in Education with a Concentration in Leadership in Higher Education program.
